Early Postoperative Management Research Articles

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of different puncture routes for ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block for early analgesia after hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

This study aimed to compare the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block with different puncture sites on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Wiley Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for literature on ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block through different puncture sites in hip replacement patients. The software package R (4.2.1) was used in the meta-analysis. The meta results showed the suprainguinal approach (SA) puncture pathway had a significantly longer operative time than the infrainguinal approach (IA) pathway (mean deviation [MD] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 1.84], P < .01) when performing orthopedic surgery. In terms of nerve block efficacy, only the block rates of the obturator nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and femoral nerve groups did not show significant differences between the SA and IA pathways. In contrast, the results of the Meta combined effect size of visual analogue scale scores during postoperative activity showed that the SA puncture pathway significantly reduced patients' pain scores compared with the IA pathway at the T1 (3-6 h) and T2 (8 h) time points (MD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.77, -0.01], P = .04 in the T1 group; MD = -0.58, 95% CI [-0.95, -0.21], P < .01). The differences in pain scores at the T3 (12 h) and T4 (24 h) time points were not significant, and in terms of adverse reaction rates, the differences in the incidence of pruritus, sedation, urinary retention, and nausea and vomiting were not significant. This study demonstrates that the SA puncture pathway has a significant advantage over the IA pathway in reducing active pain in early postoperative pain management without increasing the risk of adverse events. This finding supports the prioritization of SA pathway in clinical practice where postoperative pain control is considered. Future research should continue to explore the use of SA pathway in different patient populations and types of surgery, as well as their impact on long-term postoperative recovery, with the aim of optimizing individualized postoperative pain management strategies.

Development and validation of a nomogram for major adverse cardiovascular events after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention for ischemic heart failure.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) is an available means of revascularization in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF). However, the prognosis of IHF patients undergoing CTO-PCI remains unclear due to the lack of reliable clinical predictive tools. This study aimed to establish a nomogram for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after CTO-PCI in IHF patients. Sixty-seven potential predictive variables for MACE in 560 IHF patients undergoing CTO-PCI were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. A nomogram was constructed based on multivariable Cox regression to visualize the risk of MACE, and then evaluation was carried out using the concordance index (C-index), time-independent receiver operating characteristic (timeROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). During a median follow-up of 32.0 months, there were 208 MACE occurrences. Seven variables were selected for nomogram construction: age, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, N-terminal precursor B-type diuretic peptide, bending, and use of intravascular ultrasound and beta-blockers. The C-index was 0.715 (0.680-0.750) and the internal validation result was 0.715 (0.676-0.748). The timeROC area under the curve at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was 0.750 (0.653-0.846), 0.747 (0.690-0.804), and 0.753 (0.708-0.798), respectively. The calibration curves and DCA showed the nomogram had acceptable calibration and clinical applicability. We developed a simple and efficient nomogram for MACE after CTO-PCI in IHF patients, which helps in early risk stratification and postoperative management optimization.

Comparison of effectiveness of intraoperative subperiosteal versus periarticular analgesic cocktail injection for post operative analgesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Background: Early postoperative pain management is pivotal in patients undergoing Total knee arthroplasty. The advantage of Local infiltration analgesia is its ability to provide control of pain without interfering with motor strength of the lower extremity, thereby allowing early mobilization of patients. This study compares the effectiveness of local analgesic cocktail injection given through subperiosteal vs. periarticular routes. Methods: The study included 30 patients admitted for primary total knee arthroplasty. They were grouped into two groups based on different injection sites. Group A included patients who received subperiosteal injection and Group B included patients who received periarticular injection, under spinal anaesthesia. The difference in pain among the two groups, using VAS at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hrs postoperatively, postoperative range of movements, and Functional outcome using IKDC score at the end of 6 months were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean VAS scores at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hrs were 0.87±0.35, 1.47±0.52, 1.80±0.41, 1.07±0.46 in subperiosteal group and 2.00±0.53, 2.47±0.52, 2.80±0.56, 1.93±0.59 in periarticular group. The 6 months postoperative IKDC scores were 51.34±0.41 and 51.04±0.61 respectively. Conclusions: Subperiosteal cocktail injection can significantly reduce the postoperative pain and result in early recovery of range of movements, compared with periarticular cocktail injection in patients undergoing Total knee arthroplasty. But the long-term functional outcomes were comparable among both the groups.

New Insight into Laryngo-Tracheal Surgery: High-Flow Oxygen Therapy to Prevent Early Complications after Surgery.

Early post-operative airway management after laryngo-tracheal surgery is crucial. Acute respiratory failure due to glottis' edema may occur, requiring reintubation. This can prolong ventilatory assistance, jeopardizing anastomosis. To date, only judicious steroid administration and fluid management are available to avoid more invasive procedures. High-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) is a noninvasive O2 support method providing humidification, warmed air, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (AIRVO2). No data about HFOT use to prevent early complications after laryngo-tracheal surgery are reported in the literature. Between September 2020 and September 2022, 107 consecutive patients who underwent laryngo-tracheal surgery received HFOT (Group A). Data and long-term results were compared with those of 80 patients operated between September 2018 and August 2020 (Group B), when HFOT was not available. All patients were operated in a single center. No pre- or post-operative settings changed, except for HFOT introduction. We analyzed and compared the risk for "delayed" reintubation (unexpected reintubation within the first 24-48 h after extubating/laryngeal mask removal) in the two groups. No patients reported HFOT-related adverse events. The control group (B) presented "delayed" reintubation in 37% (p = 0.027), intensive care unit admission in 67% (p = 0.005) and longer hospital stay (p = 0.001) compared to the HFOT group (A). The minor complications' rate was 3% in both group and overall mortality was 0%. Re-stenosis was described in 4.6% of the HFOT group, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.7006). Our study is the first to investigate HFOT use in patients undergoing laryngo-tracheal surgery, potentially representing a consistent innovation in the peri-operative management of these patients. With the limitation of a retrospective series, we would suggest HFOT use for preventing post-operative reintubation rate, possibly reducing ICU admissions and hospital stays.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guideline on staghorn calculi management.

The stone burden based management strategy reported in the guidelines published by different associations is well known for a long time. Staghorn calculi, representing the largest burden and most complex stones, is one of the most challenging cases to practicing urologists in clinical practice. The International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) has released a series of guidelines on the management of urolithiasis. To develop a series of recommendations for the contemporary management management of staghorn calculi and to provide a clinical framework for urologists treating patients with these complex stones. A comprehensive literature search for articles published in English between 01/01/1976 and 31/12/2022 in the PubMed, OVID, Embase and Medline database is performed. A series of recommendations are developed and individually graded following the review of literature and panel discussion. The definition, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative treatment strategies and procedural advice, early postoperative management, follow up and prevention of stone recurrence are summarized in the present document. A series of recommendations regarding the management of staghorn calculi, along with related commentary and supporting documentation offered in the present guideline is intended to provide a clinical framework for the practicing urologists in the management of staghorn calculi.

A Modified Arthroscopic Triple-row Repair Technique for L-shaped Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears.

To compare the clinical outcomes of a modified arthroscopic triple-row (TR) repair technique with the suture bridge (SB) repair technique in treating L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears. Various surgical techniques for L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears have been reported, many of which aid in increasing the contact area and pressure of the rotator cuff. However, there is still debate over which technique yields superior results. From January 2017 to March 2020, 61 cases of L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears were included in this study. Of these, 34 cases underwent the modified arthroscopic triple-row repair technique, while 27 cases were addressed with the suture bridge repair technique. Functional assessment was conducted using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, the Constant score (CS), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessments for rotator cuff healing were performed at the 24-month postoperative mark. Statistical evaluations were conducted using SPSS for Windows (Version 25.0, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare preoperative and postoperative data and ROM differences, and the Mann-Whitney U test for statistical differences in clinical outcome scores between the two groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Comparative analysis of the preoperative and final follow-up scores revealed a substantial enhancement in shoulder function, as indicated by the ASES, UCLA, CS, and VAS scores, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). At both the preoperative stage and final follow-up, no notable differences were observed in ASES, UCLA, CS, and VAS scores between the two groups. However, the TR repair group exhibited lower VAS scores than the SB group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Active range of motion (ROM) showed significant improvement in both groups. No significant differences in ROM were noted between the two groups either before the surgery or at the final follow-up. The study demonstrates that both the modified arthroscopic TR and SB techniques for L-shaped delaminated cuff tears yield satisfactory outcomes, with no significant differences in overall clinical performance. Notably, early postoperative pain management appears more effective with the modified TR technique, suggesting its potential for enhanced early recovery experiences. This technique's design, promoting securer fixation and optimal contact conditions, is implied to facilitate superior long-term healing, warranting further investigation into its long-term benefits.

Research progress on early postoperative pain management strategies after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To summarize the early postoperative pain management strategies for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to select a reasonable and effective pain management plan to promote functional rehabilitation after ACLR. The literature about the early postoperative pain management strategies of ACLR both domestically and internationally in recent years was extensiverly reviewed, and the effects of improving postoperative pain were reviewed. Currently, physical therapy and oral medication have advantages such as economy and simplicity, but the effect of improving postoperative pain is not satisfactory, often requires a combination of intravenous injection or intravenous pump, which is also a common way to relieve pain. However, in order to meet the analgesic needs of patients, the amount of analgesic drugs used is often large, which increases the incidence of various adverse reactions. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA), including periarticular or intra-articular injection of drugs, can significantly improve the early postoperative pain of ACLR, and achieve similar postoperative effectiveness as nerve block. LIA can be used as an analgesic technique instead of nerve block, and avoid the corresponding weakness of innervated muscles caused by nerve block, which increases the risk of postoperative falls. Many studies have confirmed that LIA can alleviate postoperative early pain in ACLR, especially the analgesic effects of periarticular injection are more satisfactory. It can also avoid the risk of cartilage damage caused by intra-articular injection. However, the postoperative analgesic effect and timeliness still need to be improved. It is possible to consider combining multimodal mixed drug LIA (combined with intra-articular and periarticular) with other pain intervention methods to exert a synergistic effect, in order to avoid the side effects and risks brought by single drugs or single administration route. LIA is expected to become one of the most common methods for relieving postoperative early pain in ACLR. Early pain after arthroscopic ACLR still affects the further functional activities of patients, and all kinds of analgesic methods can achieve certain effectiveness, but there is no unified standard at present, and the advantages and disadvantages of various analgesic methods need further research.

Cannabidiol for Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Deficits in Patient-Reported Outcomes Versus Placebo: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown recently to positively affect patient pain and satisfaction immediately after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). However, it is unclear whether the addition of CBD to a perioperative regimen could affect postoperative outcomes. To evaluate patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent ARCR and received buccally absorbed CBD or an identical placebo for early postoperative pain management at 1-year follow-up. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Eligible patients had previously participated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded trial that evaluated the analgesic effects of CBD in the immediate postoperative period after ARCR. The experimental group received 25 mg of CBD 3 times/day if <80 kg and 50 mg of CBD 3 times/day if >80 kg for 14 days, with the control group receiving an identical placebo. The following outcomes were assessed at minimum 1-year follow-up: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and patient satisfaction. The rates of achievement of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were compared based on ASES at latest follow-up. Continuous and categorical variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test, respectively. Follow-up was obtained from 83 of 99 patients (83.8%) who completed the original trial. There were no significant differences between the CBD and control groups with respect to age, sex, body mass index, rate of concomitant procedures, or number of anchors used intraoperatively. At 1-year follow-up, there were no significant differences between the CBD and control groups in VAS pain (0.8 vs 1.2, P = .38), ASES (93.0 vs 91.1, P = .71), SANE (87.6 vs 90.1, P = .24), or satisfaction (97.4 vs 95.4, P = .41). A majority of patients achieved the PASS (81.0% [CBD] vs 77.5% [control]; P = .79). Perioperative use of CBD for pain control among patients undergoing ARCR did not result in any significant deficits in pain, satisfaction, or patient-reported outcomes at 1-year postoperatively compared with a placebo control group. These findings suggest that CBD can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without detrimental effects on outcome. NCT04672252 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Early Wound and Sternal Management Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

Early postoperative wound management following congenital heart surgery remains an area without equipoise. Precautionary restrictions can impact quality of life, development, and delay access to other needed care. The influence of different practices on wound healing and complications is unknown. We surveyed Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative member centers regarding postoperative wound closure, wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) use, sternal precautions, and restrictions in the early postoperative period. We analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. Responses were submitted by 35/46 (76%) centers. Most centers perform primary skin closure with subcutaneous sutures. Wound covers are removed after 48 h at 43% (15/35) of centers and after ≥72 h at 34% (12/35) of centers. For delayed sternal closure, 16 centers close skin with interrupted, externalized sutures, 5 utilize wound VAC-assisted closure, and 12 use variable practices. Generally, 33 centers use wound VACs for wound care. Patient selection for VAC use and length of therapy varies. We found great variability in duration of sternal precautions and in activity, bathing, and submersion restrictions. Finally, 29 centers require a waiting period between cardiothoracic surgery and other surgeries such as tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube placement. Postoperative wound and sternal management lack consistency across North American pediatric heart institutes. Some restrictive practices may prolong length of stay and/or negatively impact quality of life and neurodevelopment. Practices may also impact wound infection rates. Research linking practices with clinical outcomes is needed to better define standards of care and reduce potential negative consequences of overly conservative or aggressive practices.

Pulmonary, circulatory and renal considerations in the early postoperative management of the lung transplant recipient.

Lung transplantation volumes and survival rates continue to increase worldwide. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common early postoperative complications that significantly affect short-term mortality and long-term outcomes. These conditions share overlapping risk factors and are driven, in part, by circulatory derangements. The prevalence of severe PGD is up to 20% and is the leading cause of early death. Patients with pulmonary hypertension are at a higher risk. Prevention and management are based on principles learned from acute lung injury of other causes. Targeting the lowest effective cardiac filling pressure will reduce alveolar edema formation in the setting of increased pulmonary capillary permeability. AKI is reported in up to one-half of lung transplant recipients and is strongly associated with one-year mortality as well as long-term chronic kidney disease. Optimization of renal perfusion is critical to reduce the incidence and severity of AKI. In this review, we highlight key early post-transplant pulmonary, circulatory, and renal perturbations and our center's management approach.

Radiofrequency ablation prior to total knee arthroplasty does not improve post-surgical pain or recovery: a double-blinded, multi-center, randomized clinical trial.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting the genicular nerves is an effective treatment for knee pain due to osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two RFA interventions delivered preoperatively on early postoperative pain management and subjective outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred forty-three participants were enrolled in this double blinded, sham-controlled prospective randomized trial. Participants assigned at random to traditional RFA (t-RFA) (n=50), cooled RFA (c-RFA) (n=49), or sham (n=44) procedures prior to TKA. Outcomes were recorded at postoperative day 3, week 1, week 2, week 12, month 6, and month 12 following TKA. Primary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), opioid consumption (reported as MEQ, or daily morphine equivalents), time to narcotic cessation (reported in days), and pain scores (reported as NRS, or Numeric Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) measures. All side effects and complications were reported. Participants were followed for a year to detect any unexpected side effects. Compared with sham controls, t-RFA and c-RFA did not affect inpatient LOS, pain scores, or opioid consumption. There were no reductions in time to opioid cessation, pain scores, or WOMAC scores at any time point post-TKA. RFA of the genicular nerves prior to TKA did not affect opioid use or time to cessation, pain, or WOMAC scores, following TKA. Current techniques of t-RFA and c-RFA of these specific geniculate nerves preoperatively are not indicated as routine interventions to improve short-term surgical recovery after TKA. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02925442).

Optimal, Early Postoperative Management of Cardiac Transplant and Durable Left Ventricular Assist Recipients.

Summarize developments in the early postoperative care of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. Provide a practical approach with personal insights to highly complex patients at risk for prolonged hospitalization. Advancements in technology allow for percutaneous mechanical circulatory support of both the right and left ventricles either isolated or combined via subclavian and neck vessels. Since the adult heart allocation system has been changed to reduce waitlist mortality, the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support has increased. This has influenced preoperative optimization by enabling ambulation and majorly changed postoperative strategy. New doors have been opened for a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate rapid weaning of inotropic medications, limitation of sedation, early liberation from mechanical ventilation, and mobilization. Individualized percutaneous mechanical circulatory support offers new possibilities for the early postoperative management of highly complex patients undergoing cardiac transplantation or durable left ventricular assist device implantation.

Expert consensus on clinical management for early childhood caries.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most prevalent chronic oral disease and one of the worldwide public health problems of great urgency for children. ECC can affect children's teeth, dentition, craniomaxillofacial, and general health and development. Therefore, through dental caries etiologies and caries risk assessment, patient-centered, personalized planning and a combination of prevention and treatment should be implemented in the clinical management for ECC. Periodic and continuous cycle management can only be accomplished with the cooperation of medical staff, children, and their guardians. This expert consensus will expound the clinical management of ECC in the following aspects: caries risk assessment, early clinical prevention, treatment strategies, and postoperative management.

Ventricular assist device support in children: better, but not perfect

Ventricular assist device (VAD) support of children as bridge to transplantation or recovery can be associated with major morbidity. In infants and small children, VAD support is especially challenging and restricted to para-corporeal devices. Additional anatomic, physiologic and access limitations, along with coagulation system immaturity, further increase VAD complications in these small children. In the current issue of the EJCTS, Rohde et al. reviewed the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support database and identified 230 children who received the Berlin Heart EXCOR device between 2011 and 2021. They found that 46/230 (20%) had cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and that majority of these (71%) occurred within 90 days following VAD implantation. They also identified pump thrombosis and need for right VAD as risk factors for CVA [1]. In the original EXCOR study, reported CVA was 29% while transplantation was achieved in 88% of patients [2]. This was in a controlled trial setting with very strict selection criteria. When the follow-up extended study was published, 36% of children died and 55% reached transplantation [3]. Most importantly, CVA and multisystem organ failure were the most common reasons for death after VAD [4]. The clinical experience with the EXCOR device has since increased worldwide and the findings from Rohde are in line with other published reports in children [4, 5]. For example, a report from the Netherlands has shown that 50% of children had CVA, with 68% of those occurring in the first 30 days. Similarly, CVA was the most common cause of death [5]. While the study by Rohde examining a contemporary experience was unable to demonstrate an era impact on CVA occurrence, other reports seem to suggest a trend towards lower CVA rate in the recent era [1, 4, 6]. What can we attribute the improving trends to? Two factors seem to play a significant role: (i) the clinical status of the patient going into VAD implantation and (ii) potential improvements in early postoperative management.

LUMBAR DISK HERNIATION: EVALUATION OF MEDICAL CARE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT AT THE SPECIALTIES HOSPITAL CREHVITAL AMBATO-ECUADOR: RETROSPECTIVE, CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY, AND ASSESSMENT OF TWO CLINICAL CASES

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess medical care and pain management of 237 lumbar disk herniation cases treated from 2011 to 2021 in the Specialties Hospital CREHVITAL, Ambato-Ecuador, and to provide a set of standards for appropriate management. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of archives, and registries of patient’s data provided by the Specialties Hospital CREHVITAL, Ambato-Ecuador. Participants: A total of 237 patients with lumbar disk herniation received medical services from 2011 to 2021; outcome measures were: Pain management, patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and medication after surgery. Results: The 40–50 age range had the highest prevalence of lumbar disk herniation and a higher percentage of the pathology in men (66%) than in women. Of the 237 patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the highest lumbar disk herniation of the L4–L5 (101 men and 20 women), followed by herniation of the L5–S1 (59 men and 51 women). Two types of surgeries were performed: Classical surgery on 157 patients and microsurgery on 80 patients. The average period before receiving treatment was 1.5 years of maintaining back pain, and the early post-operative management consisted of patients receiving diclofenac, ketorolac, and ceftriaxone. Analgesics were used in 73.43% of patients. All cases required strict control, follow-up, and post-operative check-ups. Conclusion: This study provides essential and conclusive evidence and information on treated cases of lumbar disk herniation and its incidence in the medical field.

The Impact of Perioperative Fluid Balance on Postoperative Complications after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

Background: Perioperative fluid balance is an important indicator in the management of esophageal cancer patients who undergo esophagectomy. However, the association between perioperative fluid balance and postoperative complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) remains unclear. Methods: This study included 115 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer who underwent MIE between January 2018 and January 2020. We retrospectively evaluated the association between perioperative fluid balance from during surgery to postoperative day (POD) 2, and postoperative complications. Results: The patients were divided into lower group and higher group based on the median fluid balance during surgery and at POD 1 and POD 2. We found that the higher group at POD 1 (≥3000 mL) was the most important indicator of postoperative complications, such as acute pneumonia within 7 days after surgery, and anastomotic leakage (p = 0.029, p = 0.024, respectively). Moreover, the higher group at POD 1 was a significant independent factor for acute postoperative pneumonia by multivariate analysis (OR: 3.270, 95% CI: 1.077–9.929, p = 0.037). Conclusion: This study showed that fluid overload at POD 1 had a negative influence on postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer. The fluid balance must be strictly controlled during the early postoperative management of patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Case Series and Literature Review

PURPOSE: To report three cases with Acanthamoeba keratitis after laser vision correction and their treatment course and outcomes, and to compare these with the existing literature. METHODS: Case series and literature review. RESULTS: Three eyes of three patients presented with Acanthamoeba keratitis after laser vision correction and were treated with a high concentration of anti-amoebic medication after a timely diagnosis. In the first case, which occurred after laser in situ keratomileusis, there was an excellent recovery 1 month after treatment. In the second case, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) returned to 8/20 after similar anti-amoebic treatment, but for a period of 4 months. Despite using the same treatment regimen, the third case of Acanthamoeba keratitis after LASEK required a penetrating keratoplasty. This was deemed necessary because the cornea was completely infiltrated. There was no recurrence of the infection and the UDVA achieved 6 months postoperatively was 4/20. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and standardized postoperative management is the top priority in Acanthamoeba keratitis after laser vision correction. Glucocorticoids should stop when the infection is suspected and Acanthamoeba keratitis should always be considered, particularly when pain is severe and standard antibiotics fail. Intensive anti-amoebic treatment in the early period and judicious use of penetrating keratoplasty in Acanthamoeba keratitis after laser vision correction may benefit prognosis. [ Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports. 2022;2(2):e32–e37.]

Interaction of Gut Microbiota with Endocrine Homeostasis and Thyroid Cancer.

Simple SummaryAs the interaction between gut microbiota and thyroid cancer is gradually being revealed, the thyroid gland, as an important endocrine organ, constitutes the gut-thyroid axis. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota leads to the accumulation of metabolites that, through specific mechanisms, lead to genetic instability in the thyroid, ultimately leading to tumorigenesis and progression. In addition, these metabolites can lead to autoimmune responses, resulting in imbalance of endocrine homeostasis and the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the interaction of gut microbiota with thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. We hope to provide some potential new strategies for the prevention and treatment of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer.The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in healthy individuals as well as in patients with thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer. Although the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer is predictable, that of some poorly differentiated, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancers remains unpromising. As the interaction between the gut microbiota and thyroid cancer has been gradually revealed in recent years, the thyroid gland, a crucial endocrine organ, is shown to have a complex connection with the body’s metabolism and is involved in inflammation, autoimmunity, or cancer progression. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and its metabolites can influence changes in hormone levels and susceptibility to thyroid cancer through multiple pathways. In this review, we focus on the interactions of the gut microbiota with thyroid function diseases and thyroid cancer. In addition, we also discuss some potential new strategies for the prevention and treatment of thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. Our aim is to provide some possible clinical applications of gut microbiota markers for early diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative management of thyroid cancer. These findings were used to establish a better multi-disciplinary treatment and prevention management strategy and to individualize the treatment of patients in relation to their gut microbiota composition and pathological characteristics.

Impact of Quilting Sutures on Surgical Outcomes After Mastectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Seroma after mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is among the most common issue surgeons have to face in the early postoperative management of breast cancer. Using quilting sutures (QS) to aid in tissue approximation and decrease dead space is proposed as a simple technique to reduce seroma rate. We aimed to perform a systematic review, and analyse, in a meta-analytical model, the role of QS in improving wound outcomes and decrease volume, duration of drainage, and length of stay in hospital. The study was registered with PROSPERO. A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was performed for all comparative studies examining surgical outcomes in patients who underwent QS versus conventional closure (CC) after mastectomy ± ALND. Twenty-one studies with a total of 3473 patients (1736 in the study group and 1737 in the control group) were included based on the selection criteria. The study group showed significantly lower rates of seroma (p<0.00001), total volume of drainage (p<0.0001), days to drain removal (p<0.00001), and length of stay (p<0.00001) compared with the control group, while wound complication rates (surgical site infection, flap necrosis, hematoma, skin dimpling) were comparable between the two groups. QS are a reliable intraoperative technique that decrease seroma formation, volume of postoperative drainage, duration of drainage and length of hospital stay, and should be considered in mastectomies with or without ALND.

Treatment of victims with mine-explosive injuries

To study the incidence and structure of combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh War and to analyze the results of treatment of these victims. We analyzed surgical treatment of 60 victims with combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh war. In 25 (41.7%) victims, injury occurred as a result of mine-explosive trauma. These victims were divided into 3 groups depending on mechanism of mine-explosive injury. The 1st group included 7 (28%) patients who received mine-explosive injury due to indirect (propelling) effect of blast wave. The 2nd group included 14 (56%) victims in whom mine-explosive injury was caused by non-contact (distant) impact of mine fragments. The 3rd group consisted of 4 (16%) patients whose mine-explosive injuries were caused by direct impact of explosion factors on various anatomical areas. Patients were also ranked into 3 groups depending on the nature and severity of mine-explosive injury: wounded with isolated injuries (n=16, 64%), wounded with concomitant injuries (n=2.8%), wounded with combined and multiple injuries (n=7, 28%). Most patients underwent organ-sparing procedures. Resections were performed only in 4 cases (splenectomy - 3, nephrectomy - 1). Postoperative complications developed in 23 (38.3%) wounded (suppuration of postoperative wounds - 13, post-traumatic pleuritis - 5, clotted hemothorax - 2, subphrenic abscess - 1, phlegmon of perineum and perianal region - 2). Mortality rate was 1.7%. Timely sorting and evacuation of victims, early qualified surgical care and correct postoperative management with monitoring of vital functions can improve the results of treatment of victims with mine-explosive trauma. Autologous skin grafting for extensive defects and closure of colostomy with restoration of colon continuity were essential in rehabilitation of these patients.