Conventional Surgery Research Articles

Microwave coagulation for liver metastases.

Microwave coagulation for liver metastases.

Minimally Invasive Approach versus Sternotomy for Bentall Procedure: A Single-Center Experience

Background. The need for minimally invasive Bentall surgery for the treatment of aortic lesions with aortic insufficiency is increasing; however, comparative studies on the safety of the minimally invasive Bentall procedure and sternotomy Bentall procedure are lacking. Methods. Clinical data of 56 patients who underwent the Bentall procedure performed by the same surgical team at our center between December 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and followed up for 6 months after discharge. After dividing the patients into a right anterior chest minimally invasive Bentall surgery (RAT-Bentall) group (n = 13) and a conventional sternotomy Bentall surgery (C-Bentall) group (n = 43), intraoperative and early postoperative clinical data and echocardiography at 6 months after discharge were compared. Results. Compared with the C-Bentall group, the RAT-Bentall group had a lower postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score [(3.00 ± 2.08) VS (5.77 ± 1.84), P<0.001] and a shorter CSICU hospital stay [(1.90 ± 0.52) VS (2.51 ± 1.58) d, P<0.001] and postoperative hospital stay [(7.62 ± 1.81) VS (10.42 ± 2.45) d, P=0.035]. The incidence of postoperative complications and echocardiographic at 6-month follow-up after discharge was not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion. The RAT-Bentall procedure is safe and effective. Compared with the sternotomy Bentall procedure, it can reduce postoperative pain as well as patients’ CSICU and postoperative hospital stay. Therefore, this technology is worth promoting and applying.

Comparison of long-term oncologic outcomes of central lumpectomy and conventional breast-conserving surgery for invasive breast cancer: propensity score matching analysis.

Central lumpectomy (CL) is a breast-conserving surgical (BCS) technique that involves excision of the nipple-areolar complex with breast tumor in centrally located breast cancers. We aimed to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of CL in comparison with conventional BCS (cBCS). Patient records who underwent BCS with clear resection margins for invasive breast cancer between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the total 6,533 patients, 106 (1.6%) underwent CL. Median follow-up duration was 73.4months. 1:3 propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to minimize selection bias. The CL group showed a significantly higher ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rate than the cBCS group (10-year IBTR rate: 5.8% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.004), even after adjusting for other variables (hazard ratio (HR), 2.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-6.60, p = 0.048). However, there were no significant differences observed inregional recurrence, distant metastasis, oroverall survival rates between the two groups. Both PSM and IPTW analyses showed significantly higher IBTR in the CL group (PSM HR, 3.27; 95% CI, 0.94-11.36; p = 0.048 and IPTW HR, 4.66; 95%CI, 1.85-11.77; p < 0.001). Lastly, when analyzing 2,213 patients whose tumors were located within 3cm of the nipple, the CL group showed a significantly higher IBTR than the cBCS group before and after PSM. CL was associated with a higher rate ofIBTR compared to cBCS, while other survival outcomes were comparable. For centrally located tumors, CL may be considered for patients preferring breast preservation. However, higher risk for IBTR should be informed and careful surveillance may be necessary during the early post-operative follow-up periods.

Laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted primary bariatric-metabolic surgery. Are we still expecting to overcome the learning curve? A propensity score–matched analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database

BackgroundRobotic surgery is becoming increasingly popular in bariatric-metabolic surgery. However, its superiority regarding postoperative outcomes compared with conventional laparoscopy has not been clearly proven. With growing adoption of robotic surgery and improved technologies, benefits should become more evident. ObjectivesEvaluate readmission and reoperation rates after bariatric-metabolic surgery performed by conventional laparoscopy versus robotic-assisted from 2015 to 2021. SettingAcademic institution. MethodsThe Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) was reviewed for primary bariatric operations performed with conventional laparoscopy versus robotic-assisted. Postoperative outcomes were compared in a propensity score-matched sample. ResultsOf 1,059,348 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 921,322 (87%) were conventional laparoscopic bariatric-metabolic surgeries, which were matched 1:1 with robotic-assisted cases (138,026). Reoperation (odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.15, P = .0463), postoperative morbidity (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01–1.12, P = .0193), readmission (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.09–1.18, P < .0001), and emergency department visits (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03–1.09, P = .0003) at 30 days postoperatively were significantly greater for robotic-assisted cases. Robotic-assisted cases had a similar mortality rate at 30 days postoperatively and length of stay >3 days when compared with conventional laparoscopic cases. Similar results were observed in cases from 2020 to 2021, except for reoperation and emergency department visits, which showed no difference between groups and length of stay >3 days, which was greater in robotic-assisted cases. ConclusionsOur results show a greater readmission and reoperation rate and greater morbidity at 30 days postoperatively in robotic-assisted bariatric-metabolic surgery compared with conventional laparoscopy. Analyzing only cases performed between 2020 and 2021, robotic surgery also does not show superiority over conventional laparoscopy.

Potential of Cytokines in the Management of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

The illness known as intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by discomfort in the intervertebral discs. The IDD is made up of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP), which function as a joint and cushion for the spine. IDD can develop with ageing, which can cause the NP to herniate and cause pain. IDD patients experience detrimental effects on their quality of life and mental health in addition to their physical health. It also poses a critical economic burden on society as a whole. Imaging techniques used for the diagnosis are disc herniation, X-ray plain film, CT, and MRI are discussed as imaging modalities, with MRI being particularly useful for diagnosing disc herniation. Treatment approaches range from conservative methods to surgical intervention, related to the type of IDD. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, rest, traction therapy, and physical therapy are examples of non-surgical therapies. Options for surgery include conventional open surgery, microsurgical lumbar discectomy, minimally invasive IVD removal surgery, and artificial IVD replacement surgery. Many studies are focused on the role of cytokines to explain the cause of IDD. And these cytokines can be classified as cell cycle inhibitor, proinflammatory factor and growth factor. The article highlights cell cycle inhibitors (p16INK4a and p53), proinflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α), and growth factor (TGF-β) involvement in IDD. However, currently, there are no cytokine-based treatments available for IDD in clinical practice. Future research could focus on developing new treatment or prevention targets for IL-1β or TNF-α.

Surgical and Fertility Outcomes of Reduced-Port Robotic Myomectomy: A Single-Center Experience of 401 Cases.

Background: Reduced-port robotic myomectomy (RPRM) using Da Vinci® Xi™ is a good fertility-saving surgical option, but the surgical and fertility outcomes are unknown. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the feasibility of RPRM in an academic tertiary hospital setting. A total of 401 patients who underwent RPRM by a single operator between October 2017 and October 2021 were included. For RPRM, three ports are required: a 1.5 cm umbilical incision and two 0.8 cm incisions 8 cm lateral to the umbilicus. A single-port system was applied through the umbilicus, which also functioned as a working port. Unlike conventional robotic surgery, only three robot arms were utilized for the entire surgical procedure. Results: Surgical and fertility outcomes were assessed through medical records review and follow-up telephone contact. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 39.7 ± 6.0 years. The most common indication for surgery was menorrhagia (n = 128, 31.9%). The average number of myomas removed was 4.7 ± 4.1 (1-22), and the size was 7.8 ± 2.5 cm (2.5-16.0). The mean operation time was 103.7 ± 45.6 min. Postoperative complications were found in 9.7% (n = 39) of patients; the most common complication was transfusion (7.7%, n = 31). After surgery, 70 patients tried to conceive, and 56 became pregnant naturally or by assisted reproduction (56/70, 80.0%). The mean interval time from operation to conception was 13.5 ± 10.1 months. Among 56 who conceived, 44 gave birth (62.9%), five were still ongoing (7.1%), and seven had miscarriages (10.0%). Cesarean section was performed for most cases (43/44, 97.7%). Eight patients had obstetric complications (16.3%), but no uterine rupture was reported. Conclusions: RPRM, which provides the benefits of conventional robotic surgery along with favorable obstetric and cosmetic results, is a feasible option for patients with symptomatic uterine myomas who wish to conceive in the future.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle enhanced percutaneous microwave ablation: Ex-vivo characterization using magnetic resonance thermometry.

Percutaneous microwave ablation (pMWA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a microwave antenna placed at the tip of a needle to induce lethal tissue heating. It can treat cancer and other diseases with lower morbidity than conventional surgery, but one major limitation is the lack of control over the heating region around the ablation needle. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have the potential to enhance and control pMWA heating due to their ability to absorb microwave energy and their ease of local delivery. The purpose of this study is to experimentally quantify the capabilities of FDA-approved superparamagnetic iron oxide Feraheme nanoparticles (FHNPs) to enhance and control pMWA heating. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of locally injected FHNPs in increasing the maximum temperature during pMWA and to investigate the ability of FHNPs to create a controlled ablation zone around the pMWA needle. PMWA was performed using a clinical ablation system at 915MHz in ex-vivo porcine liver tissues. Prior to ablation, 50uL 5mg/mL FHNP injections were made on one side of the pMWA needle via a 23-gauge needle. Local temperatures at the FHNP injection site were directly compared to equidistant control sites without FHNP. First, temperatures were compared using directly inserted thermocouples. Next, temperatures were measured non-invasively using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT), which enabled comprehensive four-dimensional (volumetric and temporal) assessment of heating effects relative to nanoparticle distribution, which was quantified using dual-echo ultrashort echo time (UTE) subtraction MR imaging. Maximum heating within FHNP-exposed tissues versus control tissues were compared at multiple pMWA energy delivery settings. The ability to generate a controlled asymmetric ablation zone using multiple FHNP injections was also tested. Finally, intra-procedural MRT-derived heat maps were correlated with gold standard gross pathology using Dice similarity analysis. Maximum temperatures at the FHNP injection site were significantly higher than control (without FHNP) sites when measured using direct thermocouples (93.1±6.0°C vs. 57.2±8.1°C, p=0.002) and using non-invasive MRT (115.6±13.4°C vs. 49.0±10.6°C, p=0.02). Temperature difference between FHNP-exposed and control sites correlated with total energy deposition: 66.6±17.6°C, 58.1±8.5°C, and 20.8±9.2°C at high (17.5±2.2kJ), medium (13.6±1.8kJ), and low (8.8±1.1kJ) energies, respectively (all pairwise p<0.05). Each FHNP injection resulted in a nanoparticle distribution within 0.9±0.2cm radially of the injection site and a local lethal heating zone confined to within 1.1±0.4cm radially of the injection epicenter. Multiple injections enabled a controllable, asymmetric ablation zone to be generated around the ablation needle, with maximal ablation radius on the FHNP injection side of 1.6±0.2cm compared to 0.7±0.2cm on the non-FHNP side (p=0.02). MRT intra-procedural predicted ablation zone correlated strongly with post procedure gold-standard gross pathology assessment (Dice similarity 0.9). Locally injected FHNPs significantly enhanced pMWA heating in liver tissues, and were able to control the ablation zone shape around a pMWA needle. MRI and MRT allowed volumetric real-time visualization of both FHNP distribution and FHNP-enhanced pMWA heating that was useful for intra-procedural monitoring. This work strongly supports further development of a FHNP-enhanced pMWA paradigm; as all individual components of this approach are approved for patient use, there is low barrier for clinical translation.

The Treatment of Refractory Vitiligo With Autologous Cultured Epithelium Grafting: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study.

Surgical intervention is the main therapy for refractory vitiligo. We developed a modified autologous cultured epithelial grafting (ACEG) technique for vitiligo treatment. Between January 2015 and June 2019, a total of 726 patients with vitiligo underwent ACEG in China, with patient characteristics and clinical factors being meticulously documented. Using a generalized linear mixed model, we were able to assess the association between these characteristics and the repigmentation rate. ACEG demonstrated a total efficacy rate of 82.81% (1754/2118) in treating 726 patients, with a higher repigmentation rate of 64.87% compared to conventional surgery at 52.69%. Notably, ACEG showed a better response in treating segmental vitiligo, lesions on lower limbs, age ≤ 18, and stable period > 3 years. A keratinocyte:melanocyte ratio below 25 was found to be advantageous too. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed an increase in melanocyte count and 2 subclusters of keratinocytes after ACEG, which remained higher in repigmented sites even after 1 year. ACEG is a promising therapy for refractory vitiligo. Patient age, clinical type, lesion site, and stability before surgery influence repigmentation in ACEG. The mechanism of repigmentation after ACEG treatment is likely not confined to the restoration of melanocyte populations. It may also involve an increase in the number of keratinocytes that support melanocyte function within the affected area. These keratinocytes may aid the post-transplant survival and function of melanocytes by secreting cytokines and extracellular matrix components. registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100051405).

Anatomical Anal Stenosis after PPH: Insights from a Retrospective Study and Rat Model.

High-grade hemorrhoids are usually recommended to receive operational treatments. However, these traditional surgeries are associated with severe postoperative pain. A procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH), a circular staple device, has been developed to improve short-term outcomes, including reducing the severity of postoperative pain. PPH, compared to conventional surgery, has been associated with the incidence of anatomical anal stenosis. The causes of stenosis after PPH are not yet clear. We first analyzed the complications of our patients with PPH, and then developed a rat model to verify the tension force of PPH using Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. Our clinical data showed that PPH significantly improved postoperative pain, but that it resulted in higher incidences of complications, including anal stenosis, than hemorrhoidectomy. We simulated the status of PPH and developed a rat model to verify PPH's tension force, including the scarring area and the deposition of proinflammatory factors, angiogenic factors, and fibrotic factors. The tension wound histological data showed more extensive granulation tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration and a thicker epidermis than the control group on day 12 post-operation and tension treatment. In addition to IL-1β and IL-10 cytokines on day 3 and IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines on day 12 post-operation in the tension group, two angiogenic factors, CD31 and VEGF-A, were found to have a more significant expression on day 7 post-operation in the tension group. The mean scar area was larger and the distribution of fibrotic proteins (collagen 1, α-SMA, CTGF, and MMP2) in the tension group was significantly broader than in the control on day 12 post-operation and tension treatment. Based on the findings of our animal model, the development of a lesser tensile force for PPH to decrease the deposition of proinflammatory factors, angiogenic factors, and fibrotic factors is urgently required.

The Effect of Arthroscopic Microfracture in the Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis Combined with Cartilage Damage

Objective: To observe the specific effect of arthroscopic microfracture treatment on patients with ankle osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. Methods: 60 patients with ankle osteoarthritis combined with cartilage damage treated in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected and divided into the control group and the experimental group using the random number table method, each with 30 cases. Subjects in the experimental group were treated with arthroscopic microfracture, while subjects in the control group were treated with conventional surgery. Results: After the intervention, the total treatment effectiveness of the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the inflammatory factor levels in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the pain scores of the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05); the quality of life in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: During the treatment process of the experimental group, patients with ankle osteoarthritis combined with cartilage damage were given arthroscopic microfracture therapeutic intervention, and the post-treatment effect was relatively good. After treatment and intervention, the patients’ symptoms were significantly relieved, the inflammatory reaction was improved, the pain was reduced, and the quality of life was enhanced.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Arthroscopic Revision Release of Gluteal Muscle Contracture With Residual Symptoms After Open Surgery

To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified arthroscopic revision release for patients who have gluteal muscle contracture and who have poor outcomes after traditional open surgery. The data of patients who underwent modified arthroscopic revision release for residual symptoms of gluteal muscle contracture after traditional open surgery were retrospectively collected and analyzed. All subjects underwent the procedure between December 2015 and December 2022. The surgical efficacy was assessed by evaluating improvements in specific symptoms, including bilateral lower extremity inequality, hip internal rotation and adduction mobility, squatting with both knees pressed together, and the ability to cross one's legs in supine position, as well as the preoperative and postoperative results for the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale. Paired t-test was performed to examine whether the differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements were statistically significant. A total of 36 patients were followed up systematically, with the mean follow-up period being (22.4±4.9) months. All patients had significantly higher scores for assessment with the gluteal muscle contracture functionality scale at the last follow-up than their preoperative assessment results, showing an increase from the preoperative scores of 40.2±5.5 to 78.4±4.9 (P<0.05). At the follow-up, all patients showed improvement in hip adduction and internal rotation mobility compared with their preoperative status and all patients were able to squat with both knees pressed together. Moreover, only 1 patient still had difficulty in crossing his legs. A total of 27 cases (75%) had preoperative leg length inequality, all of which improved to varying degrees at follow-up. Among all the patients (72 hips/cases), 8 cases had subcutaneous hematomas and incisional ecchymosis, which were resolved after conservative treatments such as hot compresses. 3 cases showed decreased hip abductor strength, but the muscle strength gradually recovered after postoperative exercise and rehabilitation. There were no complications such as subcutaneous exudate, neurovascular injury, or surgical site infection. Modified arthroscopic revision release of gluteus muscle contracture is suitable for cases with poor outcomes after conventional open surgery.

Comparison of On-Pump Beating Heart Surgery Versus Conventional Bypass Surgery in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Requiring Urgent Revascularization

Background: The objective of our study was to provide the initial outcomes of the traditional coronary artery surgery approach and the on-pump beating heart surgery in terms of survival and morbidity in patients who needed emergency surgery for acute myocardial infarction. Methods: A single-center retrospective study was performed from November 2013 to September 2023 on a total of 212 patients requiring emergency coronary artery surgery. Group I patients (n = 108) received traditional coronary artery bypass grafting with cross-clamping, while Group II patients (n = 104) underwent on-pump coronary surgery on the beating heart. Results: There were no disparities observed in the preoperative left ventricular function, percutaneous coronary intervention, intra-aortic balloon usage, or clinical-hemodynamic characteristics. Group I patients had significantly higher rates of postoperative mortality and low cardiac output syndrome, as well as a greater utilization of intra-aortic balloons and a higher requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Ultimately, the on-pump beating heart approach could serve as a viable alternative to enhance the preservation of cardiac function and decrease postoperative complications and mortality rates in patients with acute myocardial infarction who require emergency surgery.

Design and Verification of Sector Vortex Archimedean Spiral Phased Array Transducer for Improving Focus Acoustic Pressure

The emergence of high-intensity focused ultrasound applications brings great potential to establish noninvasive therapeutic treatment in place of conventional surgery. However, the development of ultrasonic technology also poses challenges to the design and manufacture of high-power ultrasound transducers with sufficient acoustic pressure. Here, the design of a sector vortex Archimedean spiral phased array transducer that is able to enhance focal acoustic pressure is proposed by maximizing the filling factor of the piezoelectric array. The transducer design was experimentally verified by hydrophone measurements and matched well with acoustic simulation studies. The focal deflection was shown to be feasible up to ±9 mm laterally and up to ±20 mm axially, where the effective focal acoustic pressure can be maintained above 50% and the level of the grating lobe below 30%. Furthermore, a homogeneous pressure distribution without secondary focus was observed in the pre-focal region of the transducer. The rational design of a high-intensity focused ultrasound transducer indicates promising development in the treatment of deep tissue thermal ablation for clinical applications.

Retinal complications post posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation at a tertiary eye hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Phakic intraocular lenses treat higher degrees of myopia not possible previously with conventional refractive surgery. The aim of this study is to report the incidence and risk factors of retinal complications after posterior chamber PIOL implantation and assess the differences in biometric parameters between patients who developed such complications versus those who did not. This retrospective study recruited 514 patients who underwent ICL implantation to correct myopia at a tertiary eye hospital center in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Follow up period was at least one year. Medical records of the patients were reviewed to obtain the required data. Associations between respondents' characteristics and retinal complications were evaluated using the Chi-squared test. The mean (SD) age was 27.7 (± 6.5) years ranging from 18 to 47. Laser treatment was performed in 14 cases (2.7%). Retinal complications occurred in six cases (1.2%). The risk of retinal complication was significantly higher among patients with high axial length (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4) and patients with high pre-spherical equivalent before ICL (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.4). Patients with higher axial length and higher pre-spherical equivalent before ICL implantation are at high risk of retinal complications.

Work Environment Differences Between Outpatient and Inpatient Surgery: A Pilot Study on the Vascular Surgeons’ Perceptions

BackgroundIn France, outpatient endovascular surgical procedures have been slowly implemented in hospitals since 2015. Their development has been heterogeneous across France and is not yet the standard of care despite their benefits concerning patients’ outcomes and healthcare professionals’ satisfaction. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for patient beds has been increasing, while human resources have been decreasing. This encouraged the surgery service reorganization and accelerated the shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery. Consequently, services had to adapt rapidly and this may have caused some strain on the hospital medical workforce. The objectives of this pilot study were to document and analyze the nursing staff (nurses and certified assistant nurses) well-being and workload as perceived by the vascular surgeons working with them. It also wanted to assess the link between the nursing staff’s psychosocial stress and the surgeons’ concentration and serenity in their workplace, based on the assumption that the well-being of both parties is inextricably linked. MethodsAn observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to the senior members of the French society of vascular and endovascular surgery (n=490) between October 10 and October 18, 2022. ResultsIn total, 125 surgeons completed the questionnaire (25% response rate). The main finding was that according to 68% of vascular surgeons, the nursing staff’s psychosocial stress significantly impaired their serenity and concentration at work and this frequently affected the surgical procedure safety. The main sources of psychosocial stress were the high work pace (64%), demand for flexibility (56%), lack of anticipation of schedule changes (82%), and difficulties encountered in relaying these concerns to hospital managers (44.6%). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that concomitantly with the forced acceleration of outpatient activity implementation, the vascular surgeons’ perceptions of their working environment is deteriorating, especially in conventional (inpatient) surgery wards where the workload is increasing and patients have more comorbidities. The worsened psychosocial stress of surgeons and staff affects the care provided.

Effects of high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy in patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes.

To analyze the effects of high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy on intraoperative blood loss, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and complications in patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes. About 61 patients with varicosis of great saphenous vein and type 2 diabetes treated at our hospital were included. About 32 patients (37 affected limbs) receiving conventional surgery were included in control group, while 29 patients (34 affected limbs) receiving high ligation plus endovenous laser therapy were included in study group. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative VAS scores, blood glucose levels, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Compared with the control group, there were less intraoperative blood loss (P < .05), shorter operation time (P < .05), and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay in the study group (P < .05). Besides, there was also lower VAS scores at different time points after surgery in the study group than in the control group (P < .05). Blood glucose levels were decreased in both groups after surgery (P < .05). Moreover, VCSS was decreased in either group at 3 months after surgery (P < .05). Blood glucose levels of patients in the study group were lower than those of the control group after surgery (P < .05). The VCSS was also lower in the study group at 3 months after surgery than in the control group (P < .05). High ligation with endovenous laser therapy for varicosis of great saphenous vein in patients with type 2 diabetes was safe and feasible.

Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis at the abscess stage.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory disease of the breast with clinical features that are often confused withthose of breast cancer leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and cosmetic results of drainage surgery using ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) for the treatment of IGM at the abscess stage. The time of recovery, cases of further surgical intervention, and cosmetic results were retrospectively collected and analyzed from patients who underwent drainage with VAE or conventional drainage between October 2017 and August 2021. A total of 65 patients diagnosed with IGM at the abscess stage who underwent drainage surgery with VAE or conventional drainage surgery were enrolled. Overall, 38 (58.5%) underwent conventional drainage surgery and 27 (41.5%) underwent drainage with VAE. We found that patients who underwent VAE recovered much faster than those who underwent traditional drainage surgery (30.1 vs. 48.0days). Nine (33.3%) patients in the VAE group required further surgical intervention after drainage, whereas 33 (86.8%) patients in the control group underwent another surgery to resect residual lesions. Additionally, patients in the VAE group were more satisfied with the breast appearance, mainly due to less influence of the scars and better symmetry of their breasts. Compared with conventional drainage surgery, drainage surgery using VAE for IGM patients at the abscess stage improved therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes. Furthermore, postoperative management of IGM is crucial.

Intelligent femtosecond laser bone drilling via online monitoring and machine learning

In conventional spinal surgeries, mechanical and thermal injuries frequently usually arise due to improper handling, giving rise to a range of complications including infection, poor wound healing and bleeding. Femtosecond laser ablation offers a promising approach owing to high precision and low thermal damage. In this study, an intelligent femtosecond laser drilling method of human spinal bones has been proposed, and a machine learning method has been employed to determine the optimal laser processing window, ensuring high-quality outcomes. A neural network model has been developed to predict drilling quality, achieving an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 98 %, along with precision and recall rates of 100 % and 92.86 %, respectively. To further monitor the process, a fiber spectrometer and a thermal camera has been employed to monitor the focal status and bone temperature during laser processing to make sure the drilling is in a focal position and temperature in safe range. Subsequently, the drilling efficiency has been predicted using another neural network model within high-quality processing window for the maximum ablation processing parameter. The current research has demonstrated a direct, non-destructive and efficient method for intelligent laser spinal drilling.

Propensity matched analysis of minimally invasive and open radical resection for rectal cancer: comparison of short-term outcomes in elderly/frail patients.

Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS), such as robotic and laparoscopic procedures, is sometimes a better option than open surgery for patients with rectal cancer, it can present challenges for some elderly or frail patients who have a higher risk of chronic illnesses and poor surgical tolerance. On the basis of several pathophysiological characteristics, the patients were grouped according to their age. The time nodes, which are 65 and 80years old, can clarify the goal of the study and offer some therapeutic benefit. These subgroups stand to gain a great deal from MIS because of its superior arm of machinery and imagery. The short-term oncological outcomes and postoperative conditions of robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and conventional open surgery were compared in this study using a propensity-matched analysis. In this retrospective study, a total of 2049 consecutive patients who underwent proctectomy between September 2017 and June 2023 were chosen. We then carried out a propensity matching analysis based on inclusion criteria. Patients were split into two age groups: 65-80 and > 80. While the secondary objective was to further investigate the similar characteristics between RS and LS, the major objective was to compare oncological outcomes and postoperative conditions between MIS and OS. K-M survival curves were used to represent oncological outcomes and survival conditions. Complication rate and mFI score were used to assess postoperative conditions. Regarding the functional outcomes, the LARS scale was applied to create questionnaires that calculated the anal function of the patients. 110 cases from the group of patients aged 65-80 were successfully merged after matching 1: 1 by propensity score, whereas 73 instances from patients aged > 80 were incorporated while examining the primary objective between OS and MIS. Regarding the secondary goal, each group contained 45 cases for patients above 80 and 65 cases for patients aged 65-80, respectively. Faster recovery from MIS included quicker first flatus passage, earlier switch to liquid nutrition, and shorter hospital stay. In the meantime, MIS also showed benefits in terms of the proportion of low mFI scores and the rates of wound complications in the two age groups. Less blood loss and shorter operational time are further MIS features. On the other hand, MIS experienced more pulmonary complications than OS. Robotic surgery was statistically no different from laparoscopic surgery in patients aged 65-80, although it was superior in terms of operative time and recovery. Comparable and satisfactory oncological and survival results were obtained with all three treatments. For elderly/frail patients with rectal cancer, MIS could be recognized as an effective procedure with favorable outcomes of recovery that are accompanied by better postoperative conditions. While, robotic surgery is slightly better than laparoscopic surgery in some aspects. However, to further demonstrate the effectiveness of three surgical modalities in treating certain groups, multi-center prospective studies are required.

Autologous rectus abdominis fascia sling surgery following unsuccessful synthetic midurethral sling

IntroductionWe performed autologous rectus abdominis fascia sling surgery using Advantage™ following an unsuccessful synthetic midurethral sling.Case presentationAt the age of 76 years, the patient experienced stress urinary incontinence recurrence. A 1‐h pad test resulted in 259 g of leakage. A pressure flow study verified urine leakage while coughing and straining without detrusor overactivity. Abdominal leak point pressure was 10 cmH2O. Autologous rectus abdominis fascia sling surgery was performed using Advantage™. One month postoperatively, a 1‐h pad test resulted in 0 g of leakage.ConclusionWe believe that this method will allow the fascia sling procedure to be performed reliably even if one is unfamiliar with conventional autologous rectus abdominis fascia sling surgery.