Difference In Terms Of Hospital Research Articles

Clinical study on a novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument for treating fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture

To assess the effectiveness of a novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument in the treatment of fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture. A retrospective study was conducted on 150 patients who underwent surgical intervention for fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture. Eighty patients were treated with the novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument (minimally invasive group) and 70 patients with traditional open surgery (traditional group). The two groups were comparable in terms of gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, the interval between injury and operation, and the distance from the fracture end to the calcaneal tuberosity ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stays, hospitalization expenses, and complications were recorded and compared. At 1 year after operation, the ankle joint function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. The minimally invasive group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time, smaller incision length, and lower intraoperative blood loss when compared with the traditional group ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in terms of hospital stays and hospitalization expenses between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-24 months after operation (mean, 15.5 months). In the traditional group, 6 cases of incision necrosis and 7 cases of Achilles tendon adhesion occurred, while in the minimally invasive group, all incisions healed at first intention and no Achilles tendon adhesion occurred. The differences in the incidences of the two complications between the two groups were significant ( P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the minimally invasive group was superior to that of the traditional group ( P<0.05). In comparison with traditional open surgery, the use of self-designed novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument proves to be an ideal technique for treating fresh closed Achilles tendon ruptures. This approach offers the benefits of smaller incisions, fewer complications, and better postoperative functional recovery, without increasing hospital costs.

The Feasibility and Safety of the Clip-and-Snare Method with a Prelooping Technique for Gastric Submucosal Tumors Removal: A Single-Center Experience (with Video).

Aim This study compared the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) combined with clip-and-snare method and a prelooping technique (CSM-PLT) with ESD alone for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (gSMTs). Methods We retrospectively enrolled a matched group of 86 patients who received ESD combined with CSM-PLT or ESD alone from July 2010 to July 2020. The primary outcomes included complete resection, en bloc resection, and R0 resection. Results Eighty-six patients with gSMTs were enrolled in ESD combined with CSM-PLT group and ESD group, respectively. There were no significant differences in gender, age, tumor size, tumor location, and tumor origin between the two groups. The complete resection, en bloc resection, and R0 resection rates were comparable between two groups (P=1, P=0.31, and P=0.25, respectively). There were no significant differences in terms of hospital stays, hospitalization cost, postoperative complications, and residual rate (P=0.42, P=0.74, P=0.65, and P=1, respectively) between the two groups. However, the ESD combined with CSM-PLT was associated with a shorter procedure duration and fewer intraoperative complications (P < 0.001 and P=0.024, respectively). In addition, the incidence of intraoperative bleeding in ESD combined with CSM-PLT group was significantly lower than that in ESD group (P=0.04). Conclusion Both ESD combined with CSM-PLT and ESD were effective and safe modalities for the treatment of gSMTs. However, ESD combined with CSM-PLT was associated with a shorter procedure duration and fewer intraoperative complications.

The Multidisciplinary Approach of Rectal Cancer: The Experience of "COMRE Group" Model.

Background: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard to treat locally advanced rectal cancer. This monocentric retrospective study evaluates the results of laparotomic, laparoscopic and robotic surgery in “COMRE GROUP” (REctalCOMmittee). Methods: 327 selected stage I-II-III patients (pts) underwent TME between November 2005 and April 2020 for low or middle rectal cancer; 91 pts underwent open, 200 laparoscopic and 36 robotic TME. Of these, we analyzed the anthropomorphic, intraoperative, anatomopathological parameters and outcome during the follow up. Results: The length of hospital stay was significantly different between robotic TME and the other two groups (8.47 ± 3.54 days robotic vs. 11.93 ± 5.71 laparotomic, p < 0.001; 8.47 ± 3.54 robotic vs. 11.10 ± 7.99 laparoscopic, p < 0.05). The mean number of harvested nodes was higher in the laparotomic group compared to the other two groups (19 ± 9 laparotomic vs. 15 ± 8 laparoscopic, p < 0.001; 19 ± 9 laparotomic vs. 15 ± 7 robotic, p < 0.05). Median follow-up was 52 months (range: 1–169). Overall survival was significantly shorter in the open TME group compared with the laparoscopic one (Chi2 = 13.36, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the experience of the “COMRE” group, laparoscopic TME for rectal cancer is a better choice than laparotomy in a multidisciplinary context. Robotic TME has a significant difference in terms of hospital stay compared to the other two groups.

EFFECTS OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE PLUS FAVIPIRAVIR TREATMENT ON THE CLINICAL COURSE AND BIOMARKERS IN HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH PNEUMONIA.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, the most common serious clinical manifestation of the coronavirus infection being pneumonia. Unfortunately, the optimal treatment approach is still uncertain. However, many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of several medications in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) + favipiravir (FAV) treatment regimen and HCQ alone by comparing the patient's clinical response and laboratory results on the fifth day of treatment in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Malatya Training and Research Hospital between March 2020 and July 2020. The study included 69 patients with confirmed COVID-19 with pneumonia. The patients were divided into 2 groups, those receiving HCQ alone and those receiving the HCQ + FAV combination. A total of 69 patients were included in the study, and the mean age was 60.09±15.56 years. A statistically significant decrease was observed in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, at the end of the fifth day, in patients who received HCQ + FAV treatment (p=0.002), whereas there was no decrease in CRP levels in patients who received HCQ treatment alone. In addition, an increase in lymphocyte count and a better fever response was observed at the end of the fifth day in patients who received HCQ + FAV (p=0.008). However, there was no statistical difference between both treatment regimens in terms of hospital stay and treatment results (p=0.008, p=0.744, p=0.517). Although the combination of HCQ + FAV treatment was observed to be effective on CRP levels and fever response in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, there was no difference in terms of hospital stay and discharge.

A retrospective examination of the effects of regional anesthesia methods applied for postoperative pain control on analgesic consumption after lower extremity surgery

Objective: If preferable, the regional anesthesia is a more preferred method than general anesthesia. The preference for regional anesthesia increases as postoperative recovery is quicker, hospitalization is less and hospital costs are low.&#x0D; Material and methods: We retrospectively evaluated the hemodynamic findings, postoperative pain, hospital, and intensive care stay in patients aged 18-80 who underwent lower extremity surgery with regional anesthesia in the last 1 year. We divided the cases into 3 groups; Group 1 (n =114) patients with a peripheral nerve block, Group 2 (n =104) spinal anesthesia, and Group 3 (n =81) epidural anesthesia.&#x0D; Results: The difference between group 1 and 2, age hospitalization, and time of stay in intensive care was statistically significant. (P=0.021) (P=0.000). The difference between group 1 and 3 Intensive care unit stay was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The difference between the length of stay in the intensive care unit between groups 2 and 3 was found as statistically significant (P = 0.000). There was no significant difference in terms of hospital stay. Group 1 was found to have the shortest duration of intensive care stay.&#x0D; Conclusion: In lower extremity surgeries, peripheral nerve blocks may have provided more hemodynamic stability and longer analgesic effect compared to central blocks.

Clinical and Severity Profile of Acute Pancreatitis in a Hospital for Low Socioeconomic Strata.

Introduction:There is an upsurge in the incidence of acute pancreatitis over the last few decades; although the case fatality rate has remained unchanged. This may either be due to increased incidence of gallstone disease or improvement in diagnostic modalities. It is a potentially life threatening disease with varying severity of presentation.Methods:This observational analytical study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery in our hospital for a period of one year. All patients of acute pancreatitis were included in the study as per inclusion & exclusion criteria.Observations and Results:Total 62 Patients were included in the study. Gall stones disease is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. The mean age of the patients in the study was 39 years. 28 females and 34 male patients were present. 22 patients of the patients had severe disease as per Atlanta classification. Four out of these 22 severe pancreatitis patients expired. All patients in the severe pancreatitis group had mild to life threatening complications and pleural effusion was the most common followed by necrosis. There was notable difference in terms of hospital stay between mild group and severe group of AP.Conclusion:The clinician should be aware that acute pancreatitis can occur in any age group and gender due to different etiology. The severity of AP does not depend on etiology, age or gender and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SAP can be diagnosed on clinicoradiological basis and appropriate management can be done in those patients.

Randomized control trial comparing primary hip spica versus initial traction and hip spica of fracture at or below the junction of the upper and middle third of femur in children

Background: The debate regarding optimal management of femoral shaft fractures in the pediatric population is still far from resolved. While some consensus exists in the treatment of this injury in children younger than the age of six, opinion still widely divided in children six to 11 years.Objective: The aim of study was to compare the outcome of primary hip spica versus initial traction and hip spica of fracture of shaft of femur at or below the junction of the upper and middle third in children in terms of deformity and fracture healing.Method: A RCT study was carried out in the departments of Orthopedics, B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal from March 2004 to January 2006. Forty five patients were included in the study in which 22 patients included in early spica casting (group I) and 23 patients in traction with spica casting (group II). The functional outcomes were assessed with Pearson’ Chi-square test, Independent samples test and union was assessed radiologically.Result: There was no statistically significant difference in time of union; all of them united in 8-10 weeks follow up. No significant overall difference in terms of deformity was noted in the two groups(p value-0.306).There was significant difference in terms of hospital stay in both the groups(p value&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The study showed that there is significant advantage in primary hip spica cast for the treatment of isolated , closed femur fractures in children ages less than 10 years and weight less than 80 pounds(45kg) which allowed us to treat these fractures without any worry of wound dehiscence, pin site infections, avascular necrosis of the femoral head.Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 80-91

Management of Pleural Space After Lung Resection by Cryoneuroablation of Phrenic Nerve: A Randomized Study.

Residual air space problems after pulmonary lobectomy are an important concern in thoracic surgical practice, and various procedures have been applied to manage them. This study describes a novel technique using controllable paralysis of the diaphragm by localized freezing of the phrenic nerve, and assesses the effectiveness of this procedure to reduce air space after pulmonary lobectomy. In this prospective randomized study, 207 patients who underwent lobectomy or bilobectomy and systematic mediastinal node dissection in our department between January 2009 and November 2013 were randomly allocated to a cryoneuroablation group or a conventional group. Patients in the cryoneuroablation group (n = 104) received phrenic nerve cryoneuroablation after lung procedures, and patients in the conventional group (n = 103) did not receive cryoneuroablation after the procedure. Data regarding preoperative clinical and surgical characteristics in both groups were collected. Both groups were compared with regard to postoperative parameters such as total amount of pleural drainage, duration of chest tube placement, length of hospital stay, requirement for repeat chest drain insertion, prolonged air leak, and residual space. Perioperative lung function was also compared in both groups. Recovery of diaphragmatic movement in the cryoneuroablation group was checked by fluoroscopy on the 15th, 30th, and 60th day after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in patient characteristics between the 2 groups; nor was there a difference in terms of hospital stay, new drain requirement, and incidence of empyema. In comparison with the conventional group, the cryoneuroablation group had less total drainage (1024 ± 562 vs 1520 ± 631 mL, P < .05), fewer cases of residual space (9 vs 2, P < .05), fewer cases of prolonged air leak (9 vs 1, P < .01), and shorter duration of drainage (3.2 ± 0.2 vs 4.3 + 0.3 days, P < .01). Diaphragmatic paralyses caused by cryoneuroablation reversed within 30 to 60 days. Cryoneuroablation of the phrenic nerve offers a reasonable option for prevention of residual air space following major pulmonary resection.

Total endoscopic versus conventional open thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of total endoscopic thyroidectomy (TET) versus conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with regard to short-term clinical outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library between January 1996 and July 2014 were searched to identify relevant comparative studies. Pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either fixed or random-effects models. The perioperative outcomes were evaluated. Five eligible nonrandomized studies were included, involving 1004 patients: 475 were TET and 529 were COT. Meta-analysis results revealed that TET group had a significantly longer operative time (WMD, 48.15; 95% CI, 27.54-68.75; P < 0.00001), compared with the COT group. While analyzing the number of removed lymph nodes, 4 studies were included. The TET group had a less number of removed lymph nodes (WMD, -0.68; 95% CI, -1.20 to -0.15; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in terms of hospital stay, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, transient hypocalcemia, and permanent hypocalcemia. Total endoscopic thyroidectomy appears to be a much feasible safe surgical procedure for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in selected patients.

Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics of immune thrombocytopenia in children with different ages

Objective To analyze and compare the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effects on pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) among infants and children more than 3 years old. Methods The data of 1 015 ITP children who were hospitalized in West China Secondary Hospital of Sichuan University between January, 2005 to January, 2012 were collected.All of the patients were given hormone shock treatment and/or intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG). According to the extent of platelet count and bleeding improvement, the outcome included complete response, response and no response.The patients were divided into the infant group(≤3 year old) and the elderly group(>3 years old) based on age, acute group(≤6 months) and chronic group(>6 months) based on the course of di-sease, their clinic data were retrospectively analyzed by software SPSS 12.0. Results (1)The male/female ratio of infants group was higher than that of the elderly group, and there was significant differences (57.1% vs 45.3%, χ2=13.927, P<0.001). (2)The median platelet count on admission in the infant group was statistically higher than that of the elderly group(9×109/L vs 8×109/L, Z=2.448, P=0.014). The course of disease in the infant group was statistically shorter than that in the elderly group(7 d vs 75 d, Z=13.317, P<0.001). (3)The increase ratio of megakrocytes in infants group was lower than that in the elderly group, but no statistical differences were found (86.4% vs 90.4%, χ2=2.534, P=0.111). (4)There was a significant difference in terms of hospital stays between the transfused patients and untransfused patients (6.5 d vs 7.1 d, Z=4.571, P<0.001). Under the same treatment, the time for the platelets to become normal in the transfused group was statistically lower than that in the non-transfused group(72 h vs 89 h, Z=4.116, P<0.001). (5)The time needed for the platelets to become normal (≥100×109/L) in the infant group were statistically lower than that in the elderly group(72 h vs 95 h, Z=6.540, P<0.001). (6)The ratio of chronic patients in the infant group was statistically lower than that in the elderly group(3.2% vs 30.1%, χ2=178.42, P<0.001). Conclusions The male infants with ITP are more than the female and the course of disease is shorter. The infants' platelet count returns to normal faster, with better treatment efficacy and lower ratio of chronic patients. The hospital stays can be shortened in the patients with ITP who were transfused with platelets, but the course of treatment with hormone can not be shortened. Key words: Immune thrombocytopenia; Clinical characteristics; Infant; Child

EPA-0296 – Patient management and psychopharmacological treatment associated to smoking ban in an acute psychiatry unit

Introduction More than 60% of psychiatric patients are smokers. Besides a culture of smoking allowance amongst these patients, in the last years all psychiatric services in developed countries are becoming smoking free. Several studies have found negative expectancies in staff and patients where smoking bans are planned. Nevertheless, not many studies have focused on objective measures as changes in medication and features of the admissions period. Objectives We want to find differences in terms of clinical and treatment management in psychiatric hospitalization associated to smoking ban. Methods We collected data (regarding medication, socio-demographic and admission characteristics) from all patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital in two different time periods, before and after the smoking ban was in force. We collected data (regarding medication, sociodemographic and admission characteristics) from all patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital in two different time periods, before and after the smoking ban was in force. Results More number of leaves of absence (p=0,020) and movement restrictions (p=0,001) during the ban period occurred in comparison to the pre-ban period. On the contrary a lack of significant differences in terms of hospital stay (duration (p=0,479), rate of involuntary admissions (p=0,371) and voluntary discharges (p=0,377)), use of sedatives and doses of antipsychotics was found (p= 0,640 and p=0,194). More number of leaves of absence (p=0,020) and movement restrictions (p=0,001) during the ban period occurred in comparison to the pre-ban period. On the contrary a lack of significant differences in terms of hospital stay (duration (p=0,479), rate of involuntary admissions (p=0,371) and voluntary discharges (p=0,377)), use of sedatives and doses of antipsychotics was found (p= 0,640 and p=0,194). Conclusions The smoking-ban may have driven to increased grants for leave of absence that secondarily may have underpin demands for leave of absence in patients not allowed to and thus, it may have contribute to an increase in movement restrictions. Further studies with longer periods after the ban may clarify this issue. The smoking-ban may have driven to increased grants for leave of absence that secondarily may have underpin demands for leave of absence in patients not allowed to and thus, it may have contribute to an increase in movement restrictions. Further studies with longer periods after the ban may clarify this issue.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Assessment of the Surgical Learning Curve

Background. We report a single surgeon’s experience of 52 transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies (LAs) performed between 2001 and 2010. In addition, we compared this series with our first published series of LAs performed between 1994 and 2001. Methods. Our series includes 24 left, 20 right, and 4 bilateral LAs performed in 48 patients. To estimate the learning curve, we chronologically divided the sample of unilateral LAs into two groups of 22 patients and compared the operating time, estimated blood loss, maximum diameter of the lesion, complications, and length of hospital stay. Results. Mean operating time was significantly lower (94 versus 78 min, ) and mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower (156 versus 60 mL, ) after more experience had been gained. Additionally, a trend towards removing larger lesions was observed. There was no significant difference in terms of hospital stay. Conclusions. Observing a single surgeon’s experience of nine years in laparoscopic adrenalectomy, this study indicates that it takes approximately 20–25 procedures to flatten the learning curve. Thus, for single centers with a volume of approximately five LAs performed per year, we suggest a selection of a few experienced surgeons to perform LAs in order to improve outcomes.

Meta-analysis of Outcomes Compared between Robotic and Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for treating gastric cancer. A systematic literature search was carried out using the PubMed database, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library database to obtain comparative studies assessing the safety and efficiency between RG and LG in May, 2013. Data of interest were analyzed by using of Review Manager version 5.2 software (Cochrane Collaboration). A fixed effects model or random effects model was applied according to heterogeneity. Seven papers reporting results that compared robotic gastrectomy with laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were selected for this meta-analysis. Our meta- analysis included 2,235 patients with gastric cancer, of which 1,473 had undergone laparoscopic gastrectomy, and 762 had received robotic gastrectomy. Compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy, robotic gastrectomy was associated with longer operative time but less blood loss. There were no significant difference in terms of hospital stay, total postoperative complication rate, proximal margin, distal margin, numbers of harvested lymph nodes and mortality rate between robotic gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastrectomy. Our meta-analysis showed that robotic gastrectomy is a safe technique for treating gastric cancer that compares favorably with laparoscopic gastrectomy in short term outcomes. However, the long term outcomes between the two techniques need to be further examined.

Étude préliminaire sur la faisabilité de la double promontofixation robotique comparée à la voie cœlioscopique

The aim of our study was to demonstrate the feasibility of the laparoscopic robot-assisted anterior and posterior mesh sacrocolpopexy compared to the laparoscopic approach. Between November 2009 and August 2011, 36 women underwent sacrocolpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh, 16 by a robot-assisted approach and 20 by laparoscopy. The cases were systematically evaluated at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. All cases were contacted 6 months later to evaluate the functional results. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, ASA score, Body Mass Index, surgical history and grades of pelvic organ prolapse preoperatively. There was no difference in terms of hospital stay, per- and postoperative complications, especially concerning the rate of postoperative constipation. The mean operating time was significantly more important in the Robot group (P=0.001) with 318 min for the Robot group versus 260 min for the laparoscopic group. With a mean follow-up of 12 months, the anatomic result was satisfactory without recurrence in 97.2% of the cases. The urinary and sexual results, the restart of a sexual activity postoperatively, the surgical satisfaction and the return to daily activities were comparable between both groups. Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy seems to be a reliable technique with morbidity, anatomic and functional outcomes comparable to that of laparoscopy.

Comparison of results and economic analysis of surgical and transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect

The last decade has witnessed considerable improvement in design and implantation techniques for the percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects. This study was undertaken to compare the results and economic analysis of traditional surgery and percutaneous closure with a modified double-disk occluder during hospitalization. A total of 345 consecutive patients who underwent isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect closure were identified between July 2009 and July 2011 in our institution. A total of 157 patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect (45.5%) underwent percutaneous closure and the remaining 188 patients (54.5%) were treated surgically. In the percutaneous closure group, 156 patients (99.4%) had immediate complete closure and 186 (98.9%) in the surgical group were treated successfully (P = 0.671). The surgical group was significantly younger (P = 0.000) and larger in size (P = 0.000). One case of irreversible complete atrioventricular block and one death occurred in the surgical group. There was no significant difference in terms of hospital stay between the two groups. The total medical cost in the percutaneous closure group was lower compared with that in the surgical group (P = 0.005). Charges for medication, bed occupancy and nursing care of patients undergoing surgical closure were greater than those for patients undergoing transcatheter closure (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.000, respectively). None of the patients in the percutaneous closure group required blood transfusion during hospitalization. Charges for radiography, lab and ultrasound in the percutaneous closure group were higher compared with those in the surgical group (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, respectively). Compared with surgical repair at our institution, the superior clinical outcomes and economic benefits of percutaneous closure are inspiring. Percutaneous closure is a valuable alternative to surgery and allows more patients to be effectively treated in China.

A Comparison of the Gallie Technique and Casting versus the Harms Technique for the Treatment of Odontoid Fractures

The objective of this study was to compare perioperative, clinical parameters, complications, and reoperation rate of the Gallie technique and head-neck-chest plaster with the Harms technique in the treatment of odontoid fractures. A retrospective study. Level I spine center. Fifty-seven patients with odontoid fractures treated either with the Gallie technique and casting or the Harms technique between July 2002 and June 2008. Surgery. At a minimum of 2-year follow-up, comparison of the two groups was conducted in terms of hospital stay, blood loss, operation time, cost of the first admission, total cost, time to fusion, time to return to previous occupation, Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, visual analog scale scores of neck pain, complications (nonunion, delayed union, hardware breakage, wound infection), and reoperation rate. There were no significant differences in terms of hospital stay, time to fusion, Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, neck pain visual analog scale scores, complications, or reoperation rate between the two groups. Blood loss, operation time, cost of the first admission, and total cost were significantly lower in the Gallie group than that in the Harms group. However, the Gallie group took longer to return to previous occupation than the Harms group (P < 0.001). Management of odontoid fractures by either the Gallie technique and casting or the Harms technique was found to be similar in clinical outcomes. Although the Harms technique was associated with more blood loss, operation time, and cost, the Harms technique was found to be superior to the Gallie technique with casting in terms of time to return to previous occupation.

Double promontofixation laparoscopique versus laparoscopique robot-assistée : morbidité, résultats anatomiques et fonctionnels à court terme

The purpose of our study was to compare the morbidity and the short-term anatomical and functional outcome of the double promontofixation according to the surgical access laparoscopic versus laparoscopic robot-assisted. Forty-six patients were operated for anterior and posterior promontofixation with two mesh between March 2008 and February 2010, 19 were robot-assisted (PR) and 27 laparoscopic (PL). All the patients were contacted again by telephone to answer a questionnaire estimating the functional results. Both groups (PR vs PL) were comparable in terms of age, score ASA and of surgical histories. There was no difference in terms of hospital stay nor per- and postoperative complications. The mean operating time was significantly more important in the group PR (P=0.049). With a mean follow-up of 10,7±7,8 months (PL) versus 8,8±5,9 months (PR), the anatomical result was good without recurrence in 93,5% of the cases. The rate of recurrence was similar in both groups with three patients who had a cystocele grade 2, two in the group PR and one in the group PL (P=0.411). The urinary and sexual functional results were comparable between both groups with an improvement of the rate of dyspareunia and dysuria. However we observed more postoperative constipation in the group PR (10/19 vs 6/27, P=0.033). The robot-assisted laparoscopic promontofixation is a reproducible technique with a morbidity and anatomical and functional results comparable to the laparoscopic way.

Laparoscopic Versus Standard Appendectomy Outcomes and Cost Comparisons in the Private Sector

Minimally invasive surgery has been proposed as the preferred treatment strategy for various gastrointestinal disorders due to shorter hospital stay, less pain, quicker return to normal activities, and improved cosmesis. However, these advantages may not be straightforward for laparoscopic appendectomy, and optimal management of remains controversial. One hundred forty-eight patients with clinical and radiologic diagnoses of acute appendicitis treated in two different hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-eight patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in hospital A and 70 patients underwent standard appendectomy in hospital B. Patients treated by either type of surgery were compared in terms of clinical and pathologic features, operation characteristics, complications, and costs. There were no significant differences between both groups in terms of clinical features, radiologic studies, complications, and final pathology findings (P > .05). Hospital stay was significantly shorter and bowel movements recovered quicker in the laparoscopy group. However, overall and operating room costs were significantly higher in patients treated by laparoscopy (P < .01). Our series show a subtle difference in terms of hospital stay and bowel movement recovery, favoring patients treated by laparoscopy. However, these results have to be carefully examined and weighed, because overall costs and operating room costs were significantly higher in the laparoscopy group.

Laparoscopic Omental Patch Repair for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

A retrospective review was carried out on 33 consecutive patients with omental patch repair for perforated duodenal ulcer; 13 had laparoscopic repair, and 20 had open repair. Laparoscopic repair was successful in 12 patients, with only one postoperative complication (8%). The morbidity rate for open repair was 15 per cent (3 of 20), and there was one postoperative death in the open group (5%). Overall, it did not take longer to perform the operation laparoscopically than the open method. Patients in the laparoscopic group required less postoperative analgesia (mean doses, 0.2 vs 0.9; P = 0.02). There was no difference in terms of hospital stay and resumption of diet after operation between the two groups. Laparoscopic omental patch repair offers a safe alternative to the open method in the treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer.