Cyst Diameter Research Articles

THE EffiCACY OF GAMMA KNIFE RADIOSURGERY FOR CYSTIC METASTASIS COMPARED WITH NON-CYSTIC METASTASIS

Abstract AIMS Between 20-40% of patients with cancer develop brain metastases (BMets), with metastasis representing the most common type of brain tumour. Cystic metastasis describes a rarer type of BMet characterised by oedematous collections. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective and minimally invasive method for treating non-cystic BMets but controversy exists regarding its use in cystic BMets. The traditional view that cystic lesions are less responsive to SRS however is not fully evidenced. This investigation aims to elucidate the effectiveness of Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery in achieving local control of cystic BMets and enhancing survival versus GK radiosurgery for non-cystic BMets. METHOD Patients who had undergone fractionated GK for either a non-cystic or cystic BMet between 2018 and 2021 were identified. BMet volume on pre-GK MRI was calculated. Information was additionally collected on BMet location, maximum cyst diameter, if present, the patient’s primary tumour and its control and their performance status at the time of GK. The follow-up of patients is ongoing with survival being calculated using the Kaplan- Meier method and local progression through volumetric analysis of repeat MRI scans. RESULTS 57 patients with 79 cystic BMets were identified and 67 patients with non-cystic BMets. The most common primary tumour in both the non-cystic and the cystic BMets group was lung, comprising 30% and 23% respectively. The second most common tumour amongst non-cystic BMets was renal (12%) however in the cystic cohort it was breast (9%). The median tumour volume before treatment was 6.2cm3 in the non-cystic group and 12.5cm3 amongst cystic BMets. Median cyst size was 17.4 mm. Karnofsky Performance Status (KFS) was similar across both groups. CONCLUSION By comparing outcomes following GK for cystic and non-cystic metastasis, with the same primary tumours, this study can uncover the efficacy of fractionated GK for cystic lesions and aid the selection of treatments for these patients.

A case of situs inversus totalis with hemosuccus pancreaticus due to intrapancreatic pseudocyst perforation of the common hepatic artery treated with a vascular stent graft.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) is characterized by gastrointestinal bleeding from the papilla of Vater via the pancreatic duct. In this report, we describe a case of HP due to arterial perforation in a pancreatic pseudocyst and discuss the computed tomography (CT) findings and efficacy of stent graft placement. A 64-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use, situs inversus totalis, and total gastrectomy was hospitalized with hematochezia. Enhanced CT revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the common hepatic artery (CHA) with mildly high density in the main pancreatic duct. Subsequent CT revealed an enlarged cystic lesion with inflow of contrast medium. Angiography confirmed blood flow from the CHA into the pancreatic pseudocyst, and the patient was diagnosed with HP due to intrapancreatic pseudocyst perforation of the CHA pseudoaneurysm. Coil packing into the pseudocyst failed to block the blood flow, and a covered stent graft was placed into the CHA. The patient had an uneventful clinical course. The identification of a pseudoaneurysm and a high-density area in the main pancreatic duct on enhanced CT and changes in the pancreatic cyst diameter may indicate the acute phase of HP, and stent grafting is an effective treatment for intracystic arterial perforation.

Long-term outcomes of ovary preserving procedure for neonatal ovarian cysts

Objective: We aim to evaluate the long-term outcomes of ovarian preserving surgery for neonatal ovarian cysts. Method: The clinical data of neonatal ovarian cysts treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our study included 22 patients, of which 21 were unilateral and 1 was bilateral. There were 13 cases of simple cysts and 9 cases of complex cysts, and one cyst changed from simple to complex. The mean largest diameter of simple cysts was 5.7±2.1cm, and that of complex cysts was 4.6±2.0cm. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.2264). Among the 22 patients, 21 underwent laparoscopic cystectomy. The only patient with bilateral cysts underwent percutaneous drainage of the right simple cyst. Twenty-one histological specimens were reviewed, of which 18(85.7%) contained viable ovarian tissues. Five cases lost follow-up after surgery, and the remaining 17 cases had a follow-up period of 6 months to 5 years. The last ultrasound follow-up showed that 9 cases had bilateral normal ovaries, and 8 cases lost the ipsilateral ovary. The ovarian preservation rate of simple cyst was 90% (9/10), which was significantly higher than that of complex cyst (12.5%, 1/8) (P=0.003). Conclusions: Simple cysts (≥ 4cm) had an excellent prognosis, with a long-term ovarian preservation rate of 90%. The long-term ovarian preservation rate of complex cysts after surgery was relatively low. Our study suggested that surgical treatment did not increase the chances of preserving the ovaries of patients with complex cysts.

Trematode metacercariae parasitic in the estuarine crustacean Cyathura muromiensis Nunomura, 1974 (Peracarida: Isopoda: Anthuroidea)

This is the first report of trematodes parasitic in the estuarine isopod crustacean Cyathura muromiensis, and the fourth report from anthuroid isopods worldwide. From 52 of 54 host individuals collected qualitatively on the tidal flat of the Muromi River estuary, Fukuoka, Japan, 389 cysts of metacercariae were extracted (sample prevalence = 96.3 %). Host individuals contained from one to 71 metacercarial cysts. The range in cyst diameter was 172.3–252.1 μm, and the distribution of cyst sizes contained only one component. Cysts occurred in pereonites 2–7 and the pleon of the host, but not in the head, pereonite 1, or telson. There was no correlation between the number of cysts and host sex or size. Sequences of the nuclear “ITS1 region,” from the 3´ region of 18S rRNA to the 5´ region of internal transcribed spacer I gene (ITS1), from five cysts ranging in size from nearly the lowest diameter to the greatest diameter in our sample showed p-distances of 0.0–0.2 %, suggesting that all cysts obtained were conspecific. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequences showed that the trematode belongs in the genus Microphallus. The definitive host of our trematode species is likely a bird, since the definitive hosts of microphallids are chiefly birds, and birds are known to prey on Cyathura isopods.

Vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for benign ovarian cysts is safe and feasible in same-day discharge: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAdvances in minimally invasive surgery and the development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) have favored the spread of day-surgery programs. Even though Vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is accepted as an innovative treatment for benign ovarian cysts that is rapidly gaining recognition worldwide, the safety and feasibility of same-day surgery (SDS) have yet to be established.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of day surgery compared to inpatient surgery of patients undergoing vNOTES for benign ovarian cysts by determining perioperative outcomes.Materials and methodsThe study consisted of 213 patients who underwent vNOTES for ovarian cystectomy at a single institution from January 2020 to November 2022. Based on the hospital stay, patients were classified into the same-day surgery group (SDSG) and the inpatient surgery group (ISG); after data processing and screening considering the balance of the two groups, SDSG has 83 samples(n = 83), and ISG has 113 samples(n = 113). The patient’s demographic characteristics and follow-up data were collected during the perioperative period by doctors and nurses for medical tracking and analysis purposes and 1-month postoperatively by doctors in charge of their operation. Independent sample t-tests were performed to verify if there was any major difference between these two groups for continuous data like age, BMI, and cyst diameter, and Pearson’s chi-squared tests were used to test whether there was a major difference between these two groups for categorical data like cyst count, abdominal surgery history and whether their cyst is bilateral ovarian cysts or not. The association between exhaust time and postoperative characteristics and the association between levels of pain and postoperative characteristics were further analyzed to unveil the confounding factors contributing to the same-day discharge method’s quick recovery nature.ResultsUpon performing propensity score matching, 196 patients were finally enrolled in this study for the matched comparison, including 83(42.3%) patients in the SDSG and 113(57.7%) patients in the ISG. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of duration of operation (85.0 ± 41.5 min vs. 80.5 ± 33.5 min), estimated blood loss (27.7 ± 28.0 ml vs. 36.3 ± 33.2 ml), preoperative hemoglobin levels (128.8 ± 13.2 g/L vs. 128.6 ± 14.0 g/L), postoperative hemoglobin difference at 24 h (16.5 ± 15.4 g/L vs. 19.3 ± 9.1 g/L), pelvic adhesions (42 (50.6%) vs. 47 (41.6%)), and postoperative complications (7(8.4%) vs. 4(3.5%)). The SDSG group showed less time of feeding/off-bed/exhaust/urination after surgery, shorter hospitalization duration, a lower postoperative 6-hour pain score, and a lower incidence of analgesic drug use. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that advancing the time of postoperative off-bed activity and feeding reduced the postoperative exhaust time by 0.34 (95% CI: 0.185–0.496, 0.34 h, p < 0.001) and 0.299(95% CI: 0.158–0.443, 0.229 h, p = 0.036) hours. In addition, Ordinal logistic regression revealed a correlation between pain scores and bilaterality of cyst, increasing about 25.98 times the risk of pain levels when ovarian cysts are bilateral (OR: 26.98, 95% CI: 1.071–679.859, P = 0.045).ConclusionIn this pilot study, same-day discharge after vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic ovarian cystectomy is safe and feasible. The vNOTES for ovarian cystectomy combined with the same-day discharge shorten the exhaust time and duration of hospitalization, reduce postoperative pain, and lower the use incidence of analgesic drugs.

Tumor Markers in Differential Diagnosis of Benign Ovarian Masses.

Although there are many benign tumors in the ovarian adnexal area, the four most common types are still luteal cyst, ovarian mature cystic teratoma (OMCT), ovarian endometriosis, and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary. This study aimed to examine the correlation between six tumor markers (CEA, AFP, CA125, CA19-9, SCC, HE4) in the differential diagnosis of female adnexal benign masses and assess their diagnostic value. In this study, 135 patients with adnexal benign masses were treated in Zhengzhou first people's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2023. 135 patients were divided into four groups: luteal cyst (13.3%), OMCT (42.2%), ovarian endometriosis (23.7%) and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary (including mucinous cystadenoma and serous cystadenoma) in group D. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of each marker and combined detection. The diameter of luteal cysts was significantly smaller than that of benign ovarian tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that the combination of AFP, CA125, CA19-9, and SCC had a higher diagnostic rate for luteal cysts (AUC=0.871; sensitivity: 71.8%; specificity: 88.9). The SCC level in OMCT was significantly higher than in other benign ovarian tumors (p=0.007). ROC analysis indicated that the combination of AFP, HE4, and SCC had a higher diagnostic rate for OMCT (AUC=0.753; sensitivity: 65.4%; specificity: 75.4%). The CA125 level in ovarian endometriosis was significantly higher than in other accessory benign tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that the combination of AFP, CA125, and CA19-9 had a higher diagnostic rate for ovarian endometriosis (AUC=0.935; sensitivity: 76.7%; specificity: 96.9%). The tumor diameter of benign epithelial tumors of the ovary was significantly larger than that of other benign ovarian tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that the combination of CA125 and CA19-9 had a higher diagnostic rate for benign epithelial tumors of the ovary (AUC=0.792; sensitivity: 64.5%; specificity: 85.7%). The findings of this study demonstrate that the combined use of tumor markers (CEA, AFP, CA125, CA19-9, SCC, and HE4) has value in diagnosing benign ovarian tumors, including luteal cysts, OMCT, ovarian endometriosis, and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study, which include its single-center nature and the small sample size. Despite these limitations, the results highlight the potential utility of these markers in clinical practice.

Ultrasound study of natural progression of ovarian endometrioma.

To determine the natural progression of ovarian endometrioma in women who are managed expectantly. This was a retrospective cohort study of 83 women with evidence of ovarian endometrioma who were managed expectantly between April 2007 and May 2022. The study was conducted in the Department of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals and The Gynecology Ultrasound Centre, London, UK. We searched our ultrasound clinic databases to identify women aged 18 years or older with evidence of ovarian endometrioma who were managed expectantly for ≥ 6 months. All women attended for a minimum of two ultrasound scans performed by a single expert ultrasound operator. In addition to patient demographics, we recorded the number, mean diameter and location of each cyst. The cyst growth rate was expressed as annual change in the mean diameter. A total of 1922 women who attended our gynecology clinic during the study period were found to have evidence of moderate or severe endometriosis on pelvic ultrasound examination. Of those, 83 women had evidence of ovarian endometrioma and were managed expectantly. The median age of women was 39 (range, 26-51) years at the initial visit. Each woman had at least two ultrasound scans performed by a single expert operator at a minimum interval of ≥ 6 months. Of 83 women diagnosed with endometrioma, 50 (60% (95% CI, 49-71%)) had a single cyst and the remainder had multiple cysts. The median number of endometriomas per patient was 1 (range, 1-5) and the median follow-up time was 634 (range, 187-2984) days. A total of 39/83 (47% (95% CI, 36-58%)) women experienced an overall reduction in size of cysts, in 18/83 (22% (95% CI, 13-32%)) the cysts increased in size and in 26/83 (31% (95% CI, 22-42%)) women, no meaningful change in size was observed. The median change in mean cyst diameter per woman during the study period was -2.7 (range, -57.7 to 39.3) mm, with a median annual regression rate of -1.7 (range, -24.6 to 42.0) mm/year/woman. Overall, when compared with the initial visit, cysts were significantly smaller at follow-up (median diameter, 22.3 (range, 6.7-77.0) mm vs 18.5 (range, 5.0-72.0) mm; P = 0.009). We did not identify any clinical characteristics that could reliably predict the chance of endometrioma progression. In the majority of women with an ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma, the cysts do not increase in size significantly over time and they could be managed expectantly. This evidence may help clinicians when counseling asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic women about management of ovarian endometrioma. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Construction of nomogram based on clinical factors for the risk prediction of postoperative complications in children with choledochal cyst.

The aim of the study was to develop a prediction nomogram based on clinical factors to assess the risk of postoperative complications in children with congenital choledochal cyst. The clinical data from 131 children who underwent choledochal cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, clinical symptoms, procedure, biochemical indicators, and imaging data were recorded. A prolonged hospital stay induced by postoperative complications or a follow-up over 6 months was assessed as the event outcome. A logistics regression analysis was performed to screen for risk factors with statistical significance in inducing postoperative complications. Then, with the dataset split into the training group and internal validation group, the nomogram for the prediction of postoperative complications was developed based on a computer algorithm. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were performed for nomogram verification. Of 131 children, the multivariate logistics regression analysis suggested that age ≤2 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-5.65; p = 0.938], Todani classification type 1 (OR 36.58; 95% CI 4.14-871.74; p = 0.005), cyst wall thickness >0.4 cm (OR 10.82; 95% CI 2.88-49.13; p < 0.001), with chronic cholecystitis (OR 7.01; 95% CI 1.62-38.52; p = 0.014), and choledochal cyst diameter (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.99-1.03; p = 0.370) were predictors associated with the postoperative complications of choledochal cysts. The data were randomly divided into the training group (n = 92) and internal validation group (n = 39) to build the prediction nomogram including the appeal factors. The accuracy and discrimination of the model were evaluated using a ROC curve and calibration curve. The results showed that the nomogram area under the ROC curve [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.894; 95% CI 0.822-0.966; p < 0.001], validation (AUC = 0.844; 95% CI 0.804-0.952; p < 0.001), and Brier = 0.120 (95% CI 0.077-0.163p; p < 0.001) were indicative of the good stability and calibration of the predictive nomogram. The prognosis of congenital choledochal cysts was associated with multiple aspects of clinical factors. Combined with the internal validation, the novel prediction nomogram was suitable for evaluating the individualized risk of postoperative complications of choledochal cysts. The prediction nomogram could provide a more accurate strategy of procedure and postoperative follow-up for children with choledochal cysts.

Symptomatic hepatic cyst treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage and minocycline hydrochloride injection: a case report.

A 72year-old male patient with a history of a hepatic cyst presented to our hospital with epigastric pain. The cyst had enlarged to approximately 130mm and was diagnosed as a symptomatic hepatic cyst. Percutaneous cyst drainage was deemed challenging because of the risk of intestinal perforation; therefore, transgastric endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepatic cyst drainage was performed with external nasal cyst drainage. After cyst shrinkage was confirmed, minocycline hydrochloride was injected into the cyst through the nasal drainage tube, and the nasal cyst drainage was removed. Nine months after treatment, the cyst diameter markedly reduced to 12mm on computed tomography, and the symptoms improved. In cases where surgery is complex or it is difficult to secure a percutaneous puncture line, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage and minocycline hydrochloride injection may be effective if a puncture route can be secured under endoscopic ultrasound.

Learning curve analysis of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in treating ovarian cysts: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundTransvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy (vNOTES) is regarded as a challenging surgical technique to learn but is promising in reducing perioperative pain and significantly improves the cosmetic outcomes. Previous studies on the learning curve analysis of vNOTES mainly focuses on the hysterectomy approach, while the vNOTES ovarian cystectomy’s learning curve was merely reported though more frequently performed than vNOTES hysterectomy. Therefore, this study seeks to analyze the learning curve of three surgeons with varying levels of experience in performing endoscopic surgery and vaginal surgeries for the treatment of ovarian cysts using vNOTES.MethodsA total of 127 patients with ovarian cysts of a variety of pathological types were treated by ovarian vNOTES performed by three surgeons of different levels of endoscopic and transvaginal surgical experience. Each surgeon’s learning curve was plotted using the Cumulative Sum method and divided into three or four phases of technique learning at the turning point of the learning curve. The sociodemographic and clinical features of patients in each phase were then compared and factors potentially associated with operation time were also screened.ResultsThe learning curve was presented in four phases. The operation time (OT) was significantly shorter in phases II (53.66 ± 16.55 min) and IV (54.39 ± 23.45 min) as compared with phases I (68.74 ± 15.85) and III (75.93 ± 30.55) (p < 0.001). More cases of serve pelvic adhesion and endometrioma were assigned in the later phases. The OT of endometriotic cysts had much longer than that of non-endometriotic cysts(62.57 ± 18.64 min vs. 49.88 ± 14.26 min, p = 0.15) The presence of pelvic adhesion [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.149 (0.506, 13.792), p = 0.035] and bilateral cyst [adjusted OR 16.996 (2.155, 31.837), p = 0.025], max diameter of cyst[adjusted OR 2.799 (0.174, 5.425), p = 0.037], and individual surgeon [adjusted OR -6.118 (-11.814, -0.423), p = 0.035] were significantly associated with OT.ConclusionThere learning curve of ovarian vNOTES has four phases. ovarian vNOTES could be mastered after performing seven, nine, and 16 cases by surgeons #1, 2 and 3 respectively, in gynecologic endoscopic surgeries.Trial registrationChiCTR2200059282 (Registered on April 28th, 2022).

Radiopalmar ganglion cysts: prevalence, morphology, and clinical significance in wrist MRI.

To assess radiopalmar ganglion cysts' (RPG) prevalence, morphology, and clinical significance in consecutive patients. In this retrospective single-center study, two radiologists assessed the presence of RPG and morphologic features on wrist MRI. Radiopalmar complaints and scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears were evaluated. A total of 1053 wrists in 909 patients (mean age 43.4 ± 15.5 years, 602 females) were evaluated. All 308 RPG (Group 1; 308 patients, 29.2%) originated from the palmar capsule; 49 were unilocular, 95 oligolocular, and 164 multilocular; 745 wrists had no RPG (Group 2; 601 patients). One hundred and twenty-six RPG showed internal debris. The mean diameter was 8.5 ± 5.6 mm (cranio-caudal) (1.0-32.9 mm), 8.0 ± 4.1 mm (medio-lateral) (1.0-31.9 mm), and 3.7 ± 2.3 mm (dorso-palmar) (0.4-16.0 mm). 168 RPG showed direct contact with the radial vascular bundle, 24 with the flexor carpi radialis tendon, and 123 with the flexor pollicis longus tendon. In Group 1, significantly more patients showed partial (82/308) [group 2: 45/745, p < 0.001] or complete SLL tears (22/308) [group 2: 20/745, p < 0.001]. Of the patients with RPG, 15.3% presented with radiopalmar complaints. Only the dorso-palmar RPG diameter was positively correlated with radiopalmar complaints (for readers 1 and 2: rs = 0.66/0.61, p < 0.001, respectively), and the best dorso-palmar diameter cut-off value for the probability of having radiopalmar complaints was defined at 3 mm (area under the curve (AUC) 0.74). Other morphologic features were not eligible to discriminate symptomatic patients (AUC range 0.53-0.61). This study found RPG in 29% of patients, most of them asymptomatic. However, a dorso-palmar cyst diameter > 3 mm may be clinically significant. Radiopalmar ganglion cysts, observed in 29% of wrist MR examinations, are mostly asymptomatic, but those with a larger dorso-palmar diameter may be associated with radiopalmar complaints. Radiopalmar ganglion cysts are found in 29% of patients undergoing wrist MRI. Most patients with evidence of radiopalmar ganglion cysts do not show radiopalmar symptoms (85%). A dorso-palmar cyst diameter > 3 mm may be associated with radiopalmar complaints.

O-094 Novel stem cell-based twin embryo model reveals inner cell mass division and enhanced endometrial adhesion in monochorionic twin development

Abstract Study question How do monochorionic twin embryos arise and develop during the pre- and peri-implantation stage? Summary answer Twinning involves inner cell mass division during blastocyst expansion and heightened endometrial adhesion, with twin blastoids showing greater implantation potential. What is known already The occurrence of monozygotic twins is between 0.4 and 0.5% of livebirths globally from natural conception, of which the majority are monochorionic. Monochorionic twins are associated with increased risk of complications and higher mortality rates during pregnancy due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, developmental malformations and increased incidence of pregnancy-related diseases in the mother. The rarity of monochorionic twinning, combined with ethical constraints in human embryo research, renders the study of twinning practically infeasible, which presents in a significant knowledge gap regarding the origins and implications of early developmental monochorionic twin embryos development. Study design, size, duration In a stem cell-based model of the blastocyst-stage embryo (i.e., blastoid) conditions were identified that favor the generation of monochorionic twin blastoids. To obtain sufficient statistical power, screening experiments were performed using 3 culture wells per condition, each well containing at least 90 blastoids. Experiments were repeated 3 times and results were pooled. Blastoids were cultured for at least 3 days followed by 2 days on endometrium monolayers on-chip. Participants/materials, setting, methods Human naïve induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells were used to form twin blastoids within custom microwell array platforms. Patient-derived endometrium epithelial cells were expanded as organoids and seeded as monolayers in microfluidic chips. Blastoids were infused into the chip, allowed to adhere for 2 days, followed by a controlled stepwise increase of flow rate after which the blastoid adhesion rate to the endometrium layer for both singleton and twin blastoids was quantified. Main results and the role of chance Twin blastoids contained a cystic GATA3+ single layered trophectoderm-like epithelium encasing two distinct inner cell masses (ICMs). Morphological and morphokinetic analyses revealed that twinning occurs during the blastocyst cavitation phase via division of the OCT4+ pluripotent cell mass. After three days of culture, twin blastoids measured 228±32 µm, which is in the upper range of the cyst diameter of a blastocyst. In addition, both sibling ICM-like clusters preserved similar epiblast and hypoblast cell proportions and were consistently positioned nearly 150° (146.6±26°) apart along the blastocoel lining (measured as 2D-projections and in 3D reconstructions), which suggests a minimal angular distance for establishing two separate condensed ICM clusters. Notably, each ICM in twin blastoids contains its own NR2F2+ polar trophectoderm-like region, indicative of implantation readiness. Under defined flow regimes, twin blastoids show increased adhesion capacity to endometrium monolayers compared to singleton blastoids (60% vs 38% at highest flow rate), suggestive of increased implantation potential possibly due to a larger adhesive surface area. Twin blastoids cultured on endometrium monolayers could develop into structures with two distinctive OCT4+ pluripotent cell clumps both delineated by SOX17+ hypoblast-like cells and as a whole encompassed by GATA3+ trophoblast-like cells, suggestive of post-implantation organization. Limitations, reasons for caution While twin blastoids adhered to the endometrium monolayer and maintained two separate OCT4 compartments after 48 hours in post-implantation culture, both singleton and twin blastoids did not establish organized 3D structures associated with later post-implantation development, including amniotic and yolk sac-like cavities. Wider implications of the findings Twin blastoids open new avenues for studying the various aspects of twinning, ranging from their formation processes to the effects of multiple ICMs on trophectoderm maturation and implantation potential. In the future, with more sophisticated endometrium platforms, this model may inform on how clinical complications arise in twin pregnancies. Trial registration number not applicable

Totally laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cysts with hand‑sewn Roux‑en‑Y reconstruction in a pediatric population.

Cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is the standard treatment for choledochal cysts (CCs). In the present study, the results of totally laparoscopic surgery for CCs (TLCCs) in a pediatric population were evaluated. The clinical data of 28 children with CCs between June 2020 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent TLCCs involving cyst excision and RYHJ. The jejunojejunal anastomosis was completed laparoscopically using manual sutures. Age at operation, operative time, postoperative recovery and complications were evaluated. The 28 patients comprised 8 boys and 20 girls who underwent TLCCs at a mean age of 4.2 years (range, 1 month-12.3 years) with a mean weight of 15.9 kg (range, 4.6-43 kg). All patients received ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography examinations, which revealed a mean cyst diameter and length of 1.74±0.76 cm and 3.85±1.25 cm, respectively. The mean operative time was 214±43.8 min. The mean time until starting an oral diet after surgery was 2.89±1.23 days. Apart from bile leakage and wound infection, no other complications occurred during a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 4-42 months). TLCCs can be performed safely by skilled surgeons in pediatric patients. TLCCs may be more physiologically compatible and accelerate recovery of intestinal function with reduced trauma and better esthetic outcomes than conventional laparoscopic surgery for CCs. Therefore, TLCCs with manual sutures may be considered as an option for minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients with CCs.

Application of virtual endoscopic imaging to parapelvic cyst incision by flexible ureteroscopy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

A three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the kidney, parapelvic cyst and the collecting system was conducted using the 3D Slicer software. The reconstructed image was used to form a virtual endoscope to assist flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage was performed with a holmium laser for treating parapelvic cysts. The effectiveness of this assistive technique was assessed. This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical information of 59 patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopic incision and drainage for parapelvic cysts in two medical centers was collected. 3D Slicer software reconstruction and virtual endoscopic imaging were performed for 28 cases. Before the operation, the best point for incision on the collecting system's mucosa was assessed by virtual endoscope imaging. Propensity score matching was adopted for the reconstructive and non-reconstructive groups. After matching, the reconstructive group and non-reconstructive group both had 21 cases each. The operation time in the reconstructive and non-reconstructive groups was 38.81±5.01 and 51.00±18 minutes, respectively. Statistically significant differences existed between the two groups (t=7.024, P<0.001). No statistical significance was found in postoperative fever, immediate postoperative C reactive protein (CRP), length of postoperative hospital stay and cyst diameter three months after the operation. The operator was provided with a more direct and real vision when 3D Slicer software reconstruction was adopted via virtual endoscopic imaging to assist flexible ureteroscopic parapelvic cyst incision. This helped reduce the operation time. Further follow-ups and observations are required to assess the long-term efficacy of flexible ureteroscopic parapelvic cyst incision.

Pathomorphological and gender-age aspects of echinococosis of the liver

Background. Echinococcosis is a chronic parasitic disease that belongs to zooanthropohelminthosis and is characterized by the development of solitary or multiple cystic formations in the liver, lungs, brain and other organs. Today, the incidence is increasing dramatically in non-endemic countries, and the spread of the disease is largely linked to global population migration. Purpose – To analyze the pathomorphological and sex-age characteristics of operated patients with echinococcosis of the liver for the period 2011–2021. Materials and Methods. Medical documentation and autopsy material of all cases of surgical intervention in patients with liver echinococcosis at the pathology department of the State Institution «Zaycev V.T. Institute of general and urgent surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine» for the period 2011–2021. Sex-age characteristics of patients with echinococcosis were studied. A pathomorphological study of the postoperative material was carried out, taking into account the size and type of cysts, and the location of their formation. The preparations were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and by the Van Gieson method. Results. During the period 2011–2021, 36 operated patients with echinococcosis were recorded. Liver echinococcosis was mostly detected in men – 52.8% (р ≤ 0.05), the average age of patients was 46.9 ± 3.1 years. Among the operated, the percentage of people under 50 was 69.4%, with a predominance of men (52%). In the case of primary and recurrent echinococcosis of the liver, single cysts were found in most patients, namely in 26 (72.2%) with predominant localization in the right lobe (88.5%). Multiple cysts were found in 10 patients (27.8%); lesions of the right lobe of the liver – 70.0%, left – 10.0%, both lobes – 20.0%. It was established that the average diameter of echinococcal cysts was 13.8 ± 2.5 cm, individual cysts reached 17 cm. The thickness of all layers of the cyst wall was 1.3 ± 0.3 cm. The outer acellular layer of the cyst wall was 0.8 ± 0.1 cm. In most cases (61.1%, p ≤ 0.05), the parasite was alive, as evidenced by the clear, colorless cyst fluid with the presence of single daughter cysts with a diameter of 0.1 to 2 cm, which had the same macro- and microscopic characteristics as the mother cyst structure The color of the entire membrane of the parasite was white-pink. Conclusions. Over a 10-year period, 36 patients operated on for echinococcosis of the liver were recorded, the majority of cases were men (52.8%, p ≤ 0.05). The average age of the patients was 46.9 ± 3.1 years and ranged from 26 to 69 years. Among those operated on, the percentage of people under 50 was 69.4%, with a predominance of males in the gender structure. In the case of primary and recurrent echinococcosis of the liver, single cysts were found in most patients, namely in 26 (72.2%) with predominant localization in the right lobe (88.5%). Multiple cysts were found in 10 patients (27.8%); lesions of the right lobe of the liver – 70.0%, left – 10.0%, both lobes – 20.0%. The average diameter of echinococcal cysts was 13.8 ± 2.5 cm, individual cysts reached 17 cm. The thickness of all layers of the cyst wall was 1.3 ± 0.3 cm. The outer acellular layer of the cyst wall was 0.8 ± 0.1 cm In most cases, the parasite was alive (61.1%, p ≤ 0.05).

Usefulness of a murine model of hepatic cystic echinococcosis for preclinical drug trials: Efficacy of albendazole vs albendazole nanocrystals

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The disease is characterized by the long-term growth of cysts, most commonly in the liver and lungs. Although an ideal model of cystic echinococcosis should induce the development of cysts in the liver and imitate the natural infection route, the murine model of intraperitoneal is still widely used in the field of experimental theraphy. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the usefulness of the murine model of hepatic CE for preclinical drug trials. The effectiveness of albendazole could also be assessed by measuring the diameter of the hepatic cyst. The albendazole significantly reduced the size of the cysts. The ultrastructural alterations of the germinal layer of hepatic cysts provoked by albendazole coincided with those observed in the intraperitoneal model. Similar results were obtained with both albendazole doses. Therefore, the efficacy of albendazole nanocrystals in the murine model of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was carried out at albendazole doses of 25 mg/kg. The abdominal ultrasound allows us to assess the response of cysts to drugs only in a qualitative manner. Although the size of cysts in the albendazole nanocrystal group was not significantly lower than that observed with albendazole, at the ultrastructural level, a greater extent of damage was observed. The murine model of hepatic cystic echinococcosis can be effectively used for assessing the effect of novel formulations or compounds. The main advantage of this model is that cysts are located in the orthotopic organ, which resembles the location most commonly found in human cases. In future studies, the usefulness of the model for pharmacokinetics studies in hepatic cysts will be evaluated.

A trans-umbilical single-site plus one robotic-assisted surgery for choledochal cyst resection in children.

The purpose of this study is to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of a trans-umbilical single-site plus one robot-assisted surgery and a trans-umbilical single-site laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of choledochal cysts. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 49 children diagnosed with choledochal cysts who were admitted to our hospital between June 2020 and December 2023. Among these patients, 24 underwent a trans-umbilical single-site plus one Da Vinci robot-assisted surgery (the robot group) and 25 underwent a trans-umbilical single-site laparoscopic-assisted surgery (the laparoscopic group). We compared differences in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in terms of gender, age, weight, clinical symptoms, maximum cyst diameter, type, postoperative complications, and facial expression, leg movement, activity, crying, and comfortability (FLACC) scoring (p > 0.05). Compared with the patients in the laparoscopic group, those in the robot group had less intraoperative bleeding [10 (8-12) vs. 15 (11.5-18) ml, p < 0.001] and required less postoperative drainage tube indwelling time [5 (4-6) vs. 7 (5.5-8) day, p < 0.001], less postoperative fasting time [4 (3-4) vs. 6 (5-7) days, p < 0.001], and less postoperative hospitalization time [6 (6-7) vs. 8 (6-10) days, p < 0.001], but they required more operative time [385.5 (317.0-413.3) vs. 346.0 (287.0-376.5) min, p = 0.050] and consumed more hospitalization expenses (79,323 ± 3,124 vs. 31,121 ± 2,918 yuan, p < 0.001). The results of this study showed a shorter hospitalization time, quicker postoperative recovery, and less tissue damage but a higher cost and a longer operation time in patients who chose robotic surgery rather than laparoscopic surgery. With the continuous expansion of the scale of installed robot-assisted surgical systems and the gradual accumulation of the technical experience of surgeons, robot-assisted surgery may slowly surpass, and shows a trend to replace, laparoscopy because of its advantages.

Morphological and molecular investigation of free-living amoeba Sappinia spp. isolated from environmental and clinical samples in Thi-Qar province-southern Iraq

Sappinia is a free-living amoeba, a single-celled living organism found in the environment. It has recently been attributed to being an opportunistic human pathogen. There are two known species of Sappinia: S. diploidea and S. pedata. The current study detected Sappinia species using morphological and genetic approaches in various environmental and clinical samples in the Thi-Qar province of southern Iraq. The study was conducted from February - September 2020; one hundred and two samples for this study were obtained from various environmental and clinical sources. PCR was carried out with a positive culture after the samples were cultivated on an NN-agar medium. Overall, the study showed that 53(51.96%) samples were positive on morphological characters as well as PCR analysis showed that only 47 (46.07%) ) of Sappinia morphologically positive samples were positive by using a specific primer. Sappinia spp. were observed in all types of samples of environmental and clinical sources except CSF, and clinical ear samples were negative. The current study showed two species of Sappinia that have similar morphology but differ in the diameter of trophozoite and cyst, number of nuclei, and cyst morphology. The current study will pave the way for additional epidemiological research by considering the presence of potential Sappinia species in various samples, whether from environmental or clinical sources, to better understand the function of Sappinia as a potential health danger to people. Keyword: Sappinia spp. Free-living amoeba, opportunistic amoeba, Thi-Qar, Iraq

Morphological and molecular investigation of free-living amoeba Sappinia spp. isolated from environmental and clinical samples in Thi-Qar province-southern Iraq

Sappinia is a free-living amoeba, a single-celled living organism found in the environment. It has recently been attributed to being an opportunistic human pathogen. There are two known species of Sappinia: S. diploidea and S. pedata. The current study detected Sappinia species using morphological and genetic approaches in various environmental and clinical samples in the Thi-Qar province of southern Iraq. The study was conducted from February - September 2020; one hundred and two samples for this study were obtained from various environmental and clinical sources. PCR was carried out with a positive culture after the samples were cultivated on an NN-agar medium. Overall, the study showed that 53(51.96%) samples were positive on morphological characters as well as PCR analysis showed that only 47 (46.07%) ) of Sappinia morphologically positive samples were positive by using a specific primer. Sappinia spp. were observed in all types of samples of environmental and clinical sources except CSF, and clinical ear samples were negative. The current study showed two species of Sappinia that have similar morphology but differ in the diameter of trophozoite and cyst, number of nuclei, and cyst morphology. The current study will pave the way for additional epidemiological research by considering the presence of potential Sappinia species in various samples, whether from environmental or clinical sources, to better understand the function of Sappinia as a potential health danger to people. Keyword: Sappinia spp. Free-living amoeba, opportunistic amoeba, Thi-Qar, Iraq

Single Center Experience of Eus-Guided Cystogastrostomy and Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) Positioning in Children with Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Case Series.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are a well-known complication of pancreatitis. PFCs operative management includes percutaneous, endoscopic or surgical drainage. Even if in adult patients, endoscopic drainage is a well-established treatment, few data are available in pediatric setting. We report our single-center experience of EUS-guided cystogastrostomy and lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) positioning in children with PFCs; this, at the best of our knowledge, has never been reported before. All consecutive children with PFCs between April 2020 and November 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. PFCs were preoperatively evaluated with MRI or CT scan. All the procedures were performed under general anesthesia. A LAMS Hot-AxiosTM 10 × 15 mm was placed in all patients. We evaluated technical feasibility and clinical outcomes, including complications and recurrence rates. Follow-up included clinical observation, blood tests and US. EUS-guided cystogastrostomy was performed in 3 children (2 males; median age 13.2 years). Median maximum cyst diameter was 14.7 cm (range 10-22 cm). Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. No intra or post-operative complications occurred. Our experience suggests that this can be considered a safe and feasible treatment of PCFs even in the pediatric population, as long as the procedure is performed by an expert Endoscopist in a pediatric tertiary-level Center.