Differences In Postoperative Changes Research Articles

Role of Topical Estrogen in Outcomes of Myringoplasty: Does it Really Affect the Results of Graft Success and Hearing Thresholds?

The tympanic membrane forms a barrier between the external auditory canal and the middle ear. In the inactive mucosal type of chronic otitis media, there is a perforation in the tympanic membrane which is surgically managed by Myringoplasty. Estrogen as a growth factor has been shown to have a mitogenic effect on keratinocytes thus hastening the rate of epithelialization following injury. This property of estrogen is being studied in this study for its role in the outcomes of myringoplasty. This study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, of a tertiary teaching hospital in North India. Patients were assessed by history, examination, otoscopy, Audiometry, and oto-endoscopy. A total of 88 patients were taken out of which 44 patients underwent myringoplasty in which topical estrogen (estradiol valerate solution) was used, and the remaining 44 patients were taken as controls. Patients were then assessed post-operatively based on Audiometry results and graft uptake status. In the estrogen group successful Graft uptake was in seen 40 (90.9%) patients and failed in 4 (9.1%), while in the control group, it was successful in 37 (84.1%) patients and failed in 7 (15.9%), statistically there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of graft uptake (p value = 0.334). Post-operatively, in the estrogen group, the mean change in Air Conduction (AC) was 15.5dB, the change in the air-bone gap (ABG) was 11.5dB and for Bone Conduction (BC) it was 3.2dB. However, in the control group mean post-operative changes in Air Conduction, Air-Bone Gap, and Bone Conduction were 12dB, 10.7dB, and 0.8dBrespectively. Statistically, there was a significant difference in postoperative changes in AC (p value = 0.011) and BC (p value = 0.009) between the two groups. There was no significant difference in post-operative changes in Air-Bone Gap (p value = 0.571). Topical Estrogen (Estradiol valerate) solution is cost-effective, with enriched growth factors that accelerate tympanic membrane perforation closure following myringoplasty and resulted in significant improvement in hearing thresholds both for Air Conduction and Bone Conduction.

The Use of Plant-Based Polysaccharide (PSP) Agents May Improve Early Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Our study sought to investigate the effects of a topical plant-based polysaccharide (PSP) as an adjunctive hemostat to minimize blood loss and improve early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary TKA. In this multi-center and randomized proof-of-concept study, 61 patients undergoing TKA were randomly assigned to one of two groups: A) intraoperative utilization of PSP (n=31) or B) no intervention (n=30). The primary outcomes were blood loss and change in hemoglobin, measured preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. Other endpoints included postoperative complications, Knee Society Score (KSS), knee range of motion (ROM), and thigh circumference. There was no difference in postoperative change of hemoglobin or calculated blood loss between the PSP and control groups. The PSP group achieved elevated flexion at two weeks (100.1° vs. 86.6°, p<0.05) and better change in KSS from preop to 90 days (29.5 vs. 22.4, p<0.05) than the controls. Some early postoperative outcomes were improved, which suggests a potential benefit of using PSP in primary TKA. However, the clinical significance of these differences warrants further investigation in a larger randomized trial.

Patient-specific computational flow simulation reveals significant differences in paravisceral aortic hemodynamics between fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair

BackgroundEndovascular aneurysm repair with four-vessel fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (bEVAR) currently represent the forefront of minimally invasive complex aortic aneurysm repair. This study sought to use patient-specific computational flow simulation (CFS) to assess differences in postoperative hemodynamic effects associated with fEVAR vs bEVAR. MethodsPatients from two institutions who underwent four-vessel fEVAR with the Cook Zenith Fenestrated platform and bEVAR with the Jotec E-xtra Design platform were retrospectively selected. Patients in both cohorts were treated for paravisceral and extent II, II, and V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Three-dimensional finite element volume meshes were created from preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans. Boundary conditions were adjusted for body surface area, heart rate, and blood pressure. Pulsatile flow simulations were performed with equivalent boundary conditions between preoperative and postoperative states. Postoperative changes in hemodynamic parameters were compared between the fEVAR and bEVAR groups. ResultsPatient-specific CFS was performed on 20 patients (10 bEVAR, 10 fEVAR) with a total of 80 target vessels (40 renal, 20 celiac, 20 superior mesenteric artery stents). bEVAR was associated with a decrease in renal artery peak flow rate (−5.2% vs +2.0%; P < .0001) and peak pressure (−3.4 vs +0.1%; P < .0001) compared with fEVAR. Almost all renal arteries treated with bEVAR had a reduction in renal artery perfusion (n = 19 [95%]), compared with 35% (n = 7) treated with fEVAR. There were no significant differences in celiac or superior mesenteric artery perfusion metrics (P = .10-.27) between groups. Time-averaged wall shear stress in the paravisceral aorta and branches also varied significantly depending on endograft configuration, with bEVAR associated with large postoperative increases in renal artery (+47.5 vs +13.5%; P = .002) and aortic time-averaged wall shear stress (+200.1% vs −31.3%; P = .001) compared with fEVAR. Streamline analysis revealed areas of hemodynamic abnormalities associated with branched renal grafts which adopt a U-shaped geometry, which may explain the observed differences in postoperative changes in renal perfusion between bEVAR and fEVAR. ConclusionsbEVAR may be associated with subtle decreases in renal perfusion and a large increase in aortic wall shear stress compared with fEVAR. CFS is a novel tool for quantifying and visualizing the unique patient-specific hemodynamic effect of different complex EVAR strategies. Clinical RelevanceThis study used patient-specific CFS to compare postoperative hemodynamic effects of four-vessel fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (bEVAR) in patients with complex aortic aneurysms. The findings indicate that bEVAR may result in subtle reductions in renal artery perfusion and a significant increase in aortic wall shear stress compared with fEVAR. These differences are clinically relevant, providing insights for clinicians choosing between these approaches. Understanding the patient-specific hemodynamic effects of complex EVAR strategies, as revealed by CFS, can aid in future personalized treatment decisions, and potentially reduce postoperative complications in aortic aneurysm repair.

The impact of the 30-day postoperative complications on the quality of life following gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: A prospective study

BackgroundThe effect of postoperative complications on long-term quality of life (QoL) is controversial in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 30-day postoperative complications on long-term QoL after gastrectomy. MethodThis is a longitudinal cohort study that enrolled 908 patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2016 and 2017. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) generic cancer (QLQ C-30) and gastric module (STO-22) preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into the morbidity (30-day postoperative complications) and no-morbidity groups, and the postoperative QoL change was compared using a linear mixed model. ResultsThe mean age was 62.5 ± 12.0 years. Subtotal and total gastrectomy was performed in 763 (84.0%) and 145 (16.0%) patients, respectively. There were 189 (20.8%) patients developing postoperative complications. The morbidity group showed worse scores in several functions and symptoms of QoL at the baseline. However, the two groups showed no significant difference in postoperative changes in most functions and symptoms of the QLQ C-30 and STO-22 (Pgroup × time > 0.05). The recovery of global health (Pgroup × time < 0.001) and anxiety (Pgroup × time = 0.008) was slightly better in the morbidity group. The subgroup analysis of patients developing major abdominal complications showed similar results. ConclusionThe morbidity group showed worse QoL in several functions and symptoms at the baseline. However, postoperative complications had little influence on QoL change following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Is the Zero-P Spacer Suitable for 3-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery in Terms of Sagittal Alignment Reconstruction: A Comparison Study with Traditional Plate and Cage System.

The Zero-P spacer was primarily developed aiming to reduce the morbidity associated with the traditional anterior cervical plate. During the past decade, many authors have reported the use of Zero-P spacers for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) of one or two segments. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of knowledge on the safety and feasibility of using Zero-P spacers for 3-level fixation. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes, with a focus on the sagittal alignment reconstruction of 3-level ACDF surgery using Zero-P spacers versus those using a traditional plate and cage system. From Sep 2013 to Aug 2016, a total of 44 patients who received 3-level ACDF surgery due to cervical spondylotic myelopathy were recruited. The Zero-P spacer was used in 23 patients (group ZP) and the traditional plate and cage system in 21 (group PC). Clinical outcomes were analyzed by Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and dysphagia was evaluated using the Bazaz score. Radiological outcomes, including fusion rate, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and especially changes in cervical sagittal alignment, were analyzed. The NDI and JOA scores did not differ significantly between the two groups postoperatively (p &gt; 0.05); however, there was significantly less dysphagia in patients using Zero-P spacers at the 3- and 6-month follow-up (p &lt; 0.05). At the 24-month follow-up, the fusion rate and ASD were similar between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Interestingly, patients using Zero-P spacers had a significantly lower postoperative C2-7 Cobb angle and fused segment Cobb angle, compared to those using a traditional plate and cage system (p &lt; 0.05); meanwhile, the fused segment disc wedge was also found to be significantly smaller in patients using Zero-P spacers after surgery (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, we further divided patients into subgroups according to their cervical lordosis. In patients with a preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle ≤ 10°, significantly less cervical and local lordosis, as well as disc wedge, were seen in group ZP after surgery (p &lt; 0.05), while in others with a preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle &gt; 10°, no significant difference in postoperative changes of the cervical sagittal alignment was seen between group ZP and group PC (p &gt; 0.05). Zero-P spacers used in 3-level ACDF surgery could provide equivalent clinical outcomes and a lower rate of postoperative dysphagia, compared to the traditional plate and cage system. However, our results showed that it was inferior to the cervical plate in terms of sagittal alignment reconstruction for 3-level fixation. We recommend applying Zero-P spacers for 3-level ACDF in patients with good preoperative cervical lordosis (C2-7 Cobb angle &gt; 10°), in order to restore and maintain physiological curvature of the cervical spine postoperatively.

Robotic-assisted surgery and kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty (RASKAL study): a protocol of a national registry-nested, multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised trial assessing clinical, intraoperative, functional, radiographic and survivorship outcomes

IntroductionRobot-assisted surgery (RAS) and kinematic alignment (KA) are being increasingly adopted to improve patient outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is uncertainty around the individual or combined effect of...

Postoperative Dietary Intake Achievement: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sufficient postoperative dietary intake is crucial for ensuring a better surgical outcome. This study aimed to investigate the postoperative dietary intake achievement and predictors of postoperative dietary intake among gynecologic cancer patients. A total of 118 participants were included in this secondary analysis. Postoperative dietary data was pooled and re-classified into early postoperative dietary intake achievement (EDIA) (daily energy intake (DEI) ≥ 75% from the estimated energy requirement (EER)) and delay dietary intake achievement (DDIA) (DEI < 75% EER) There was a significant difference in postoperative changes in weight (p = 0.002), muscle mass (p = 0.018), and handgrip strength (p = 0.010) between the groups. Postoperative daily energy and protein intake in the EDIA was significantly greater than DDIA from operation day to discharged (p = 0.000 and p = 0.036). Four significant independent postoperative dietary intake predictors were found: preoperative whey protein-infused carbohydrate loading (p = 0.000), postoperative nausea vomiting (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.010), and time to tolerate clear fluid (p = 0.016). The multilinear regression model significantly predicted postoperative dietary intake, F (4, 116) = 68.013, p = 0.000, adj. R2 = 0.698. With the four predictors’ recognition, the integration of a more specific and comprehensive dietitian-led supportive care with individualized nutrition intervention ought to be considered to promote functional recovery.

Analysis of macular microvasculature and thickness after ICL implantation in patients with myopia using optical coherence tomography.

To investigate changes in macular vessels and thickness in myopic eyes after intraocular collamer lens (ICL) implantation using quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). This retrospective included 73 myopic eyes of 73 patients (average age, 27.53±6.16y) who underwent ICL implantation (28 eyes were Toric ICL). Axial length (AL), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refractive dioptre (RD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and OCTA were measured and compared with before and 1wk, 1, and 3mo after surgery. OCTA was used to image vessel density (VD) and skeleton density (SD) in both the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCT) were also measured. Changes between pre- and postoperative measurements were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Compared with preoperative data, postoperative data on UCVA revealed significant improvements in all patients (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in IOP. After the operation, CRT and GCT exhibited significant changes (P<0.05). Among these measures, CRT was significantly higher at one and three months postoperative (all P<0.01). GCT was significantly higher at 1wk, 1, and 3mo postoperative (all P<0.01). Changes in VD and SD were nonsignificant in both the SCP and DCP. There was no difference in postoperative changes between the ICL and Toric ICL groups. ICL and Toric ICL implantation both have good efficacy and safety for myopic eyes, but macular area changes that occur after surgery need attention.

Quality of life after photo-selective vaporization and holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate: 5-year outcomes

This study was aimed to compare serial long-term postoperative changes in quality-of-life (QoL) between photoselective-vaporization (PVP) using 120W-High-Performance-System and holmium-laser-enucleation (HoLEP) in benign-prostatic-hyperplasia (BPH) patients and to identify factors influencing the QoL improvement at the short-term, mid-term and long-term follow-up visits after surgery. We analyzed 1,193 patients with a baseline QoL-index ≥2 who underwent PVP (n = 439) or HoLEP (n = 754). Surgical outcomes were serially compared between the two groups at up to 60-months using the International-Prostatic-Symptom-Score (I-PSS), uroflowmetry, and serum PSA. We used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of QoL improvement (a reduction in the QoL-index ≥50% compared with baseline) at the short-term (12-months), mid-term (36-months), and long term (60-months) follow-up after surgery. In both groups, the QoL-index was decreased throughout the entire follow-up period compared with that at baseline. There were no significant differences in postoperative changes from the baseline QoL-index between the two groups during the 48-month follow-up, except at 60-months. The degree of improvement in QoL at 60-months after HoLEP was greater than that after PVP. A lower baseline storage-symptom-subscore and a higher bladder-outlet-obstruction-index (BOOI) were independent factors influencing QoL improvement at the short-term. No independent factor influences QoL improvement at the mid- or long-term.

The effect of botulinum toxin-A injection into the masseter muscles on prevention of plate fracture and post-operative relapse in patients receiving orthognathic surgery

BackgroundBotulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection into muscle reduces muscular power and may prevent post-operative complication after orthognathic surgery. The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate BTX-A injection into the masseter muscle on the prevention of plate fracture and (2) to compare post-operative relapse between the BTX-A injection group and the no injection group.MethodsSixteen patients were included in this study. Eight patients received BTX-A injection bilaterally, and eight patients served as control. All patients received bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for the mandibular setback and additional surgery, such as LeFort I osteotomy or genioplasty. Post-operative plate fracture was recorded. SNB angle, mandibular plane angle, and gonial angle were used for post-operative relapse.ResultsTotal number of fractured plates in patients was 2 out of 16 plates in the BTX-A injection group and that was 8 out of 16 plates in the no treatment group (P = 0.031). However, there were no significant differences in post-operative changes in SNB angle, mandibular plane angle, and gonial angle between groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBTX-A injection into the masseter muscle could reduce the incidence of plate fracture.

Differences in Postoperative Changes of Cervical Sagittal Alignment and Balance After Laminoplasty Between Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objectives:To compare postoperative changes of cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) and cervical sagittal balance (CSB) after laminoplasty between cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and to examine impacts of these radiologic changes on neurologic outcomes.Methods:A total of 168 consecutive patients with CSM (CSM group) and 51 consecutive patients with OPLL (OPLL group) were included. As indicators of CSA and CSB, the C2-7 angle and C1-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were, respectively, measured before surgery and at 2-year follow-up. Neurologic status was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score before surgery and at 2-year follow-up.Results:Whereas both postoperative loss of C2-7 angle and increase of C1-C7 SVA were significantly greater in the elderly subgroup of the CSM group, patient age did not significantly affect these changes in the OPLL group. Preservation of C7 maintained C1-C7 SVA at postoperative 2 years only in the CSM group. Postoperative cervical kyphosis and sagittal imbalance significantly decreased neurologic improvement in the CSM group but not in the OPLL group.Conclusions:Elderly patients with CSM have significantly greater postoperative loss of lordosis and increase in C1-C7 SVA than nonelderly patients, and both postoperative kyphotic deformity and sagittal imbalance significantly deteriorate neurologic recovery. On the other hand, although patients with OPLL, irrespective of patient age and preservation of C7, have significantly more loss of lordosis and increase in C1-C7 SVA than CSM patients, neither postoperative kyphotic deformity nor sagittal imbalance significantly deteriorates neurologic recovery in OPLL patients.

The lectin pathway and coagulation in lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy – A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundLectin pathway proteases activate coagulation and may theoretically play a role in the increased thrombosis risk in cancer, which is especially high during surgery. AimsTo investigate lectin pathway proteins during lung cancer surgery, the influence of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on lectin pathway proteins, and correlations between lectin pathway proteins and coagulation. MethodsFifty lung cancer patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy were randomised to LMWH, n = 26, or no anticoagulant (control), n = 24. Pre-, intra- and postoperative lectin pathway protein concentrations (mannose-binding lectin (MBL), H– and M-ficolin, collectin liver-1, MBL-associated serine protease (MASP)-1, -2 and -3, MBL-associated proteins MAp44 and MAp19) were assessed using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay, and fibrinogen, fibrin d-dimer, and thrombin generation were analysed. ResultsFor all proteins except MASP-1, concentrations decreased during surgery in both groups; most markedly M-ficolin which decreased 49% (median: 2836 [quartiles:2297–3505] to 1424 [1187–2199] ng/ml) (LMWH group) and 43% (2974 [2539–3510] to 1685 [1391–2076] ng/ml) (control group), while MBL decreased 12% (1936 [823–2801] to 1702 [676–2830] ng/ml) (LMWH) and 23% (1526 [250–2412] to 1175 [229–1947]) (controls). No differences in postoperative change were observed between groups except for MAp19 (p = 0.03) which decreased 9% (401 [337–467] to 364 [288–416] ng/ml) (LMWH) vs 28% (370 [272–468] to 268 [212–379] ng/ml) (controls). No correlation was found between lectin pathway proteins and coagulation (r = −0.23–0.28, p > 0.06) except for M-ficolin and fibrinogen (r = 0.29–0.36, p = 0.01–0.04). ConclusionLectin pathway proteins were influenced by surgery but not by LMWH. No consistent correlation was found between lectin pathway proteins and coagulation.

Effect of ulinastatin on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a randomized trial.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) is an emerging technique for treating small renal masses. Although RLPN has many advantages, ischemic kidney injury is inevitable during renal artery clamping. The overall incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after partial nephrectomy has been reported to be up to 39%. Moreover, effective pharmacological protection against AKI after partial nephrectomy has not yet been demonstrated. Ulinastatin has been shown to protect the kidney from ischemia/reperfusion injury via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative kidney function in patients undergoing RLPN. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, patients undergoing RLPN received either intravenous ulinastatin (100,000units/10kg; ulinastatin group, n=35) or the same volume of normal saline (control group, n=35) for 1h starting 10min before renal artery clamping. The primary outcome was incidence of postoperative AKI. Secondary outcomes were levels of serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cystatin C, and inflammatory markers and were measured before operation and at 1, 24, 48, and 72h postoperatively. The incidence of postoperative AKI was 18% in the ulinastatin group, whereas it was 30% in the control group (p=0.251). No significant differences in postoperative changes of serum creatinine, eGFR, or cystatin C were observed between the two groups. Postoperative inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and neutrophil percentage were significantly increased until 72h after operation compared to the preoperative values in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups. Administration of ulinastatin (100,000units/10kg) during the warm ischemia and reperfusion periods did not show any beneficial effects on postoperative kidney function or inflammatory responses in patients undergoing RLPN.

Comparison of postoperative changes in the distal and proximal segments between conventional and sliding mini-plate fixation following mandibular setback.

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative three-dimensional (3D) changes in the proximal segments after mandibular setback sagittal split ramus osteotomy and to compare the changes between the conventional mini-plate fixation and semi-rigid sliding plate fixation.MethodsCone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to evaluate the postoperative 3D changes in the proximal segments during the healing process. CBCT images were superimposed using the symphysis and the lower anterior mandible as references.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the conventional mini-plate and semi-rigid sliding plate groups (p > 0.05). With respect to the distribution of changes greater than 2 mm in the landmarks, the right condylion, right coronoid process, and left condylion showed ratios of 55.6%, 50.0%, and 44.4%, respectively, in the semi-rigid sliding plate group; however, none of the landmarks showed ratios greater than 30% in the conventional mini-plate group.ConclusionsThere were no statistically significant differences in postoperative changes in the segments between the conventional mini-plate and semi-rigid sliding plate groups. Nevertheless, while selecting the type of fixation technique, clinicians should consider that landmarks with greater than 2 mm changes were higher in the semi-rigid sliding plate group than in the conventional mini-plate group.

Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen crosslinking

To compare the outcomes of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) and conventional corneal CXL. Private practice, Tokyo, Japan. Comparative study. Eyes with keratoconus had accelerated CXL (KXL system; 15 minutes riboflavin [Vibex Rapid] presoak; 3 minutes 30 mW/cm(2) ultraviolet-A [UVA] light) or conventional CXL (CCL-365 Vario system; 30 minutes riboflavin [Vibex] presoak; 30 minutes 3 mW/cm(2) UVA light). The postoperative changes in visual acuity, keratometry readings, morphologic changes in the cornea, demarcation line existence, and corneal biomechanical responses with accelerated CXL and conventional CXL were compared. The follow-up was 1 year. The study enrolled 48 eyes of 39 patients; 30 eyes had accelerated CXL, and 18 eyes had conventional CXL. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative changes in uncorrected or corrected distance visual acuity or in the manifest refraction spherical equivalent between the 2 procedures. There were also no statistically significant differences in the postoperative changes in the keratometric readings from the Pentacam Scheimpflug device or the corneal biomechanical responses from a dynamic bidirectional applanation device (Ocular Response Analyzer) or a dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer (Corvis ST) between the procedures. Similar morphologic changes and a pronounced demarcation line were apparent in eyes in both groups postoperatively. Accelerated CXL and conventional CXL were both safe and effective. Accelerated CXL, being a fast procedure, appears to be more beneficial for patients and surgeons. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Q-value customized ablation (custom-Q) versus wavefront optimized ablation for primary myopia and myopic astigmatism

Comparison between treatment with wavefront optimized and custom-Q laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablations. Our study included 400 eyes of 200 patients divided into two equal groups. All patients were treated for myopia and myopic astigmatism with LASIK. The first group was treated with wavefront optimized ablation and the second group with custom-Q ablation. They were examined preoperatively and postoperatively to assess asphericity, image quality, and other classical outcome parameters. The wavefront optimized ablation group comprised 200 eyes with a mean spherical equivalent refraction (SE) of -5.2188 diopters (D) (range: -1.15 to -10.50 D); the mean Q-value changed from 0.30 preoperatively to 0.06 postoperatively. The custom-Q ablation group also comprised 200 eyes with a mean SE of -5.1575 D (range: -1.35 to -9.00 D); the mean Q-value changed from 0.32 preoperatively to 0.03 postoperatively. A statistically significant difference in postoperative change in Q-values (P = 0.02) and in postoperative visual acuity (P = 0.42) between the two groups was noted. There was no difference between the two groups regarding refractive correction. There was a marginally significant change in BSCVA (best spectacle-corrected visual acuity) between the two groups, and less impairment in the corneal asphericity in the custom-Q group.

Comparative Outcomes and Assessment of Trifecta in 500 Robotic and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy Cases: A Single Surgeon Experience

We report a comparative analysis of a large series of laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies performed by a high volume single surgeon at a tertiary care institution. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 500 patients treated with minimally invasive partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon between March 2002 and February 2012. Demographic and perioperative data were collected and statistically analyzed. R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to the collecting system or sinus in mm, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar lines) nephrometry score was used to score tumors. Those scored as moderate and high complexity were designated as complex. Trifecta was defined as a combination of warm ischemia time less than 25 minutes, negative surgical margins and no perioperative complications. Two groups were identified, including 261 patients with robotic and 231 with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Demographics were similar in the groups. The robotic group was significantly more morbid (Charlson comorbidity index 3.75 vs 1.26), included more complex tumors (R.E.N.A.L. score 5.98 vs 7.2), and had lower operative (169.9 vs 191.7 minutes) and warm ischemia (17.9 vs 25.2 minutes) time, intraoperative (2.6% vs 5.6%, each p <0.001) and postoperative (24.53% vs 32.03%, p = 0.004) complications, and positive margin rate (2.9% vs 5.6%, p <0.001). Thus, a higher overall trifecta rate was observed for robotic partial nephrectomy (58.7% vs 31.6%, p <0.001). The laparoscopic group had longer followup (3.43 vs 1.51 years, p <0.001) and no significant difference in postoperative changes in renal function. Main study limitations were the retrospective nature, arbitrary definition of trifecta and shorter followup in the RPN group. Our large comparative analysis shows that robotic partial nephrectomy offers a wider range of indications, better operative outcomes and lower perioperative morbidity than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Overall, the quest for trifecta seems to be better accomplished by robotic partial nephrectomy, which is likely to become the new standard for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

The Influence of Prosthesis Diameter in Stapes Surgery

To analyze the influence of stapes prosthesis diameter on postoperative hearing results after stapedotomy without interposition in otosclerotic patients. PubMed search from 1970 to 2009 using the key words stapedotomy or stapedectomy or otosclerosis or stapesplasty. Inclusion criteria to select articles and patient groups for meta-analysis and statistical analyses were as follows: otosclerosis as diagnosis, clear description of technique and prosthesis size, calibrated stapedotomy, and complete report of functional results. Five controlled studies were found analyzing the influence of prosthesis diameter and reporting the results in a comparable way for meta-analysis (n = 590). Sixty-two studies not analyzing the influence of prosthesis diameter contained comparable subgroups with a total of 9,536 cases. These cases were pooled according to their diameter (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,and 0.8 mm). The results of air conduction, bone conduction, air-bone gap (ABG), and success rate (closure of the ABG within 10 dB as percentage of the total cases) for all groups and frequency-specific ABG results were gathered. Furthermore, 12 clinical and experimental studies were reviewed that did not contribute to the statistical analysis. A meta-analysis performed for success rate of the 5 controlled studies showed favorable results for 0.6-mm over 0.4-mm prostheses (success rate, 67% versus 58%, p = 0.05). In the statistical analysis of the pooled data, the 0.6-mm prosthesis showed better results compared with 0.4 mm (p < 0.001) in the postoperative air conduction threshold (29 dB versus 35 dB), postoperative ABG (7 dB versus 11 dB), ABG improvement (25 dB versus 21 dB), and success rate (81.1% versus 75.1%). The frequency-specific analysis of the postoperative ABG showed no advantage for the small prosthesis in the high frequencies. There was no difference in postoperative change of bone conduction in the 0.6- and 0.4-mm groups. Statistically significant results could not be assessed for other prosthesis diameters because of the small number of cases reported. A 0.6-mm diameter piston prosthesis is associated with significantly better results than a 0.4-mm prosthesis and should be used if the surgical conditions allow it.

Effects of Depression on Quality of Life Improvement After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

To determine whether self- reported depression predicts lesser postoperative improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Prospective open cohort. An adult (> or =18 yr) cohort of 23 patients with depression and 79 patients without depression undergoing ESS were followed for 12 +/- 2 months. Patient characteristics and computed tomography scores were examined preoperatively. Endoscopy scores and two HRQoL measures, the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Chronic Sinusitis Survey, were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate outcome differences for patients with depression. There was a significantly higher prevalence of women (P = .002) and longer duration of follow-up (P = .004) for the depressed subgroup. Depressed patients reported significantly lower pre- and postoperative HRQoL scores on all RSDI subscales (P < .05). Without baseline adjustment, depression was not associated with significant differences in postoperative change for disease-specific HRQoL scores (P > .10) in multivariate analysis. Depressed patients with CRS present similarly but have worse pre- and postoperative HRQoL scores and experience similar disease-specific QoL improvements from sinus surgery compared with other CRS patients. Sinus surgery is not effective in alleviating the effect of depression on disease-specific HRQoL, and it is likely that comorbid depression and CRS are operating on independent disease pathways. Additional research and hypothesis testing using continuous, objective measures is warranted.

Comparison of the effect of AquaLase and NeoSoniX phacoemulsification on the corneal endothelium

To compare the extent of corneal endothelial cell loss and pachymetry changes in 2 age-based groups of patients who had cataract removal by AquaLase (Alcon) phacoemulsification in 1 eye and NeoSoniX (Alcon) phacoemulsification in the contralateral eye. Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. This prospective clinical study comprised 28 patients younger than 80 years (Group A) and 28 patients 80 years or older (Group B) with bilateral cataract having lens removal using AquaLase in the right eye and NeoSoniX in the left eye. The nuclei were graded clinically on the basis of hardness. The endothelial cell count (ECC), pachymetry, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean ECC and pachymetry values (+/-SD) were calculated in each group, with differences between right and left eyes analyzed using the paired t test. In Group A, the differences in the postoperative changes in ECC and pachymetry between AquaLase and NeoSoniX were not statistically significant. In Group B, there were statistically significant differences in postoperative changes in ECC and pachymetry, with the results better in the AquaLase eyes. The BCVA immediately after surgery was better than preoperatively in all eyes. The results suggest that AquaLase cataract extraction is safe for the endothelium, even in older patients with harder cataracts and a lower ECC count preoperatively.