Good Symptomatic Relief Research Articles

Outcomes of Left Renal Vein Stenting in Patients with Nutcracker Syndrome

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare condition that can present with hematuria, flank pain, pelvic varicosities, or chronic pelvic congestion related to left renal vein (LRV) compression. Open surgery, specifically LRV transposition, has been the mainstay of treatment, but during the past few years, LRV stenting has emerged as a valid alternative without sufficient evidence to support it. This study aimed to assess outcomes of renal vein stenting in the treatment of NCS. A retrospective chart review of patients with NCS who underwent LRV stenting between 2010 and 2018 was performed. End points were perioperative adverse outcomes, symptom relief, and stent patency. Symptom resolution was classified as complete, partial, and none on the basis of the interpretation of medical records on clinical follow-up. Standard descriptive statistics and survival analysis were used. Seventeen patients (16 female; mean age, 35.8 ± 14.6 years; mean body mass index, 21.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2) diagnosed with NCS and treated with LRV stenting were identified. Five of these had a prior LRV transposition that had failed within a mean of 7.0 ± 4.9 months. Ten patients had coexisting pelvic congestion syndrome treated with gonadal vein embolization. The most frequent sign and symptom were hematuria (9/17 patients) and flank pain (14/17 patients), respectively. All patients received self-expanding stents (mean diameter, 12.7 ± 1.6 mm), the smaller ones typically placed in the previously transposed LRVs. No perioperative complications occurred. Eight patients were discharged on the same day; the remaining stayed longer for pain control (mean hospital stay, 1.0 ± 1.3 days). At an average follow-up of 33 ± 25 months, 13 (76.5%) patients had symptom relief (9 complete, 4 partial). Three of the four patients whose symptoms persisted had previous LRV transposition surgery. Five of nine patients who presented with hematuria had it resolved. Three patients underwent a reintervention. Two of these had successful balloon venoplasty for restenosis. The third patient had persistent debilitating pain despite a patent stent and eventually underwent renal auto transplantation with no symptom relief. Two-year primary and primary assisted patencies were 81.8% and 90%, respectively. No stent migration occurred. Endovascular treatment with renal vein stenting is safe and effective, providing good midterm patency rates and symptom relief. Minimally invasive approaches may have a potential role in the treatment of NCS. Larger series and longer follow-up are needed to better assess its comparative performance against LRV transposition.

Isolated gastrointestinal posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a child

We report a 12-year-old male renal allograft recipient, 10 months following the transplant surgery, who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and weight loss of 5 kg in 2 months. He was on standard maintenance immunosuppression (tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil/prednisolone) and had not received induction agents. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy showed nodularity in the body of the stomach, and colonoscopy showed deep ulcers in the sigmoid colon and descending colon. Biopsy from the lesions showed dense infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells (B-cell markers, CD20, CD30, and BCL2 being positive), with immunohistochemistry showing strong positivity for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). EBV DNA polymerase chain reaction in the blood was strongly positive (2200 copies/mL), confirming EBV-positive posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Positron emission tomography–computed tomography and bone marrow biopsy confirmed that the disease was confined to the GI tract. It is a rare complication seen after solid organ transplantation occurring usually in the 1st year after transplant. The most important risk factor is a higher degree of immunosuppression; tacrolimus levels remained high in spite of repeated revisions of the drug dose in our case. The patient was treated with injection rituximab (dose: 375 mg/m2), weekly injections of four doses, and his immunosuppressive medications were reduced by 50%. He had a good symptomatic relief. PTLD confined to GI tract is rare; constipation as a presenting manifestation is very rare. A high index of suspicion is essential to make an early diagnosis.

First use of a scoring balloon to perform Oddi sphincteroplasty for biliary stones.

Balloon sphincteroplasty is a well-known procedure for the treatment of biliary stones. Scoring balloons are characterized by rigid tangential elements that provide focal force, achieving a greater pressure than normal balloons. We report the first (to our knowledge) use of a scoring balloon to perform sphincteroplasty in 4 cases of elderly people presenting with symptomatic choledocholithiasis. In all cases we achieved complete common bile duct clearing with good symptom relief. No procedural complications were observed.

Conventional Fractionation versus Quad Shot in Advanced Head-and-Neck Cancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Context:A significant number of patients with head-and-neck cancers have an incurable disease with limited life expectancy. The objective of the present study was to compare two different short courses of hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy regimens to evaluate symptoms, disease response, and acute toxicity.Materials and Methods:Previously untreated 50 patients of Stage IV B and IV C head and neck cancers were randomized to receive conventional hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy 30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks (control group) or Quad Shot regimen (study group) 14 Gy in 4 fractions given twice a day at least 6 h apart for 2 consecutive days. This regimen was repeated at 4 weekly intervals for a further two courses if there was no tumor progression.Results:Symptom relief was similar among the two schedules for pain (60.86 vs. 57.17), dysphagia (60.86 vs. 52.17%), and hoarseness (43.85 vs. 38.09%). Overall response (that is partial response and stable disease) was seen in majority (>70%) of the patients in both the groups. Treatment was very well tolerated with no patient experiencing more than Grade 3 toxicity in the control group and Grade 2 toxicity in the study group.Conclusions:Quad Shot regimen is an effective hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy schedule with minimal toxicity, good symptom relief, and response rate as compared to conventionally used regimen (30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks).

The medium-term results of acromioclavicular joint arthroscopy with chondral and meniscal debridement.

Surgical management of a young patient with a stable but painful acromioclavicular (AC) joint but normal imagining is a challenging problem. A standard arthroscopic excision of distal clavicle seems too aggressive. An alternative procedure is arthroscopic debridement of the joint, particularly the often torn meniscus, and chondroplasty. This study demonstrates in younger patients the medium-term result of arthroscopic debridement of a painful AC joint. Fifty-three young adult patients with a stable but painful AC joint, and virtually normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, had arthroscopic debridement of the AC joint. Follow-up was with questionnaire and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). Mean age was 29 years (18-39), 41 male, 31 dominant arm. Twenty-two patients demonstrated additional shoulder pathology. Two patients had a later distal clavicle excision. Five patients had later surgery to other areas of the shoulder but had an asymptomatic AC joint. Thirty-eight patients completed the ASES questionnaire at mean 44 months (24-86) post-operation. The mean ASES score was 82.8 (52-100). There was no association between ASES score and AC joint disease severity found at operation ( p = 0.25). Seven patients had ongoing shoulder symptoms, although none were severe enough to warrant any treatment. In this young group of patients with arthroscopic AC joint debridement, most had good relief of the AC joint related symptoms. This is a worthwhile procedure in the young patient, with quick recovery, and does not preclude further AC joint surgery later.

Arthroscopic debridement of the degenerative knee – Is there still a role?

ObjectivesThe role of arthroscopic debridement in the painful degenerative knee is controversial. Studies have shown that arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis provides no additional benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy. There are however, limited studies on the management of the subgroup of significantly symptomatic patients who remain refractory to maximal conservative treatment and are poor candidates for knee replacement surgery.We propose that with careful patient selection, arthroscopic debridement can provide good symptomatic relief with sustained benefits in the degenerative knee. MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single-surgeon study of 180 consecutive knee arthroscopies performed in 169 patients, aged 40 years and above, who had mechanical symptoms affecting their daily lives and underwent arthroscopic debridement after failure of a minimum 2 months of optimized medical and physical therapy. Severity of the knee osteoarthritis on plain radiographs was assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification.Functional and satisfaction scores were assessed using Oxford Knee Score, Koos Knee Survey, Short Form-36, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and questions adapted from the North American Spine Society Questionnaire. ResultsExcellent functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were reported in the majority of patients over the follow-up timeframe of 2–8 years. The mean pre-operative Kellgren-Lawrence score was 2.02 (SD 0.580). Significant improvements compared to pre-operative scores were seen across all scoring systems tested. 90% of patients reported good to excellent results. ConclusionArthroscopic knee debridement can provide good symptomatic relief and sustained benefits in significantly symptomatic patients with early degenerative knees who have failed conservative management. This is most useful in patients with mechanical symptoms secondary to degenerative meniscal tears or chondral flaps, and those with symptomatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

Current role of palliative interventions in advanced pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Unfortunately, at diagnosis, most patients are not candidates for curative resection. Surgical palliation, a procedure performed with the intention of relieving symptoms or improving quality of life, comes to the forefront of management. This article reviews the palliative management of unresectable pancreatic cancer, including obstructive jaundice, duodenal obstruction and pain control with celiac plexus block. Although surgical bypasses for both biliary and duodenal obstructions usually achieve good technical success, they result in considerable perioperative morbidity and mortality, even when performed laparoscopically. The effectiveness of self-expanding metal stents for biliary drainage is excellent with low morbidity. Surgical gastrojejunostomy for duodenal obstruction appears to be best for patients with a life expectancy of greater than 2 mo while endoscopic stenting has been shown to be feasible with good symptom relief in those with a shorter life expectancy. Regardless of the palliative procedure performed, all physicians involved must be adequately trained in end of life management to ensure the best possible care for patients.

Management of Andersson Lesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis Using the Posterior-Only Approach: A Case Series of 18 Patients.

Study DesignThis retrospective study was conducted including 18 patients who underwent posterior-only stabilization and fusion procedure for pseudoarthrosis in the ankylosed spine from October 2007 to May 2015.PurposeThis study aimed to describe the treatment outcomes in 18 patients with Andersson lesion (AL) who were managed using the posterior-only approach.Literature ReviewAL is an unstable, localized, vertebral, or discovertebral lesion of the spine. It is observed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The exact etiology of this disorder remains unclear, and the treatment guidelines are not clearly described.MethodsWe analyzed 18 patients with AL who were treated with posterior long segment spinal fusion without any anterior interbody grafting or posterior osteotomy. Pre- and postoperative radiography, computed tomography, and recent follow-up images were examined. The pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale score and the Oswestry Disability Index score were evaluated for all patients. Whiteclouds’ outcome analysis criteria were applied at the follow-up. Moreover, at study completion, patient feedback was collected; all the patients were asked to provide their opinion regarding the surgery and were asked whether they would recommend this procedure to other patients and them self undergo the same procedure again if required.ResultsThe most common site was the thoracolumbar junction. The symptom duration ranged from 1 month to 10 years preoperatively. Most patients experienced fusion by the end of 1 year, and the fusion mass could be observed as early as 4 months. Pseudoarthrosis void of up to 2.5 cm was noted to be healed in subsequent imaging. In addition, clinically, the patients reported good symptomatic relief. No patient required revision surgery. Whiteclouds’ outcome analysis score at the latest follow-up revealed good-to-excellent outcomes in all patients.ConclusionsALs can be treated using the posterior-only approach with long segment fixation and posterior spinal fusion. This is a safe, simple, and quick procedure that prevents the morbidity of anterior surgery.

Hybrid Operating Room Settings for Treatment of Complex Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are abnormal direct shunts between the occipital or meningeal artery and a meningeal vein or dural venous sinus. Treatment strategies include endovascular, microsurgical, stereotactic radiosurgical, or combined interventions. With few previous reports focused on dAVF treatment in a hybrid operating room (hOR), the authors reviewed their 6-year experience in this unique setting for these complex fistulas. Patients with complex cerebral dAVFs underwent endovascular and microsurgical treatment in the hOR. In this retrospective review, 8 consecutive patients with cerebral dAVFs (Borden type 2 or higher) underwent endovascular and microsurgical treatment. Demographic characteristics, symptoms related to the dAVF, preoperative angiographic features, preinterventional therapies, intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (iDSA), and postoperative clinical and radiologic findings were reviewed. Of these 8 patients, 5 patients underwent multiple embolizations (up to 3) and hybrid procedures, with no procedure-related complications. After microsurgical resection, iDSA revealed remnants of the fistula, which was then immediately re-resected, in 2 patients. At closing of the hybrid procedure, iDSA revealed no fistula remnants in 7 patients (88%). At mean follow-up examination (58 months), 5 patients (62%) had cure of the dAVF, confirmed by noninvasive angiography. Two patients (25%) experienced a recurrence of the dAVF within 5 months. Our hybrid techniques achieved high rates of dAVF obliteration, with all 8 patients achieving good or excellent outcomes and symptom relief. Angiographic follow-up within 6 months after the hybrid procedure is recommended for all patients even when intraoperative findings do not show remnants.

PS01.030: ROBOTIC LAPAROSCOPIC HELLER-DOR FOR ACHALASIA: SINGLE INSTITUTION’S EXPERIENCE ON 89 FIRST PATIENTS

Abstract Background Robotics allows precise dissection during the Heller-Dor. We wanted clarify whether this has produced good results in achalasia treatment of our patients in our institution. Methods We reviewed eighty-nine patients who were treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic Heller-Dor between October 2010 and January 2018 at Helsinki University Hospital. They all underwent laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia extending 8 cm onto esophagus and 3 cm onto proximal stomach with partial Dor fundoplication by two surgeons. Diagnosis of achalasia was confirmed by radiography, endoscopy, and manometry. Success of the myotomy was verified by intraoperative EGD, postoperative contrast radiography, and subjective postoperative symptom recording. Results There were 44 men and 45 women, with a mean age 43 + /- 15 years. Thirty-three percent of patients reported weight loss and 95% of patients experienced dysphagia at least once every week preoperatively. Mean operative time was 124 + /- 34 minutes. There were no conversions. Intraoperatively there were 6 patients with minor tears in mucosa of esophagus and 1 patient with minor tear in the mucosa of stomach. They were all recognized and repaired intraoperatively without any significant consequences to the patients (no deaths or ICU admissions). Median hospitalization was 4 days (2 - 17). Postoperatively 93% of patients reported significant improvement in dysphagia. All 6 patients with intra-operative mucosal tear experienced good or excellent symptom relief. Three of patients experienced significant pain in their esophagus even after surgery. All patients but 3 rated their overall symptom control either excellent or good after median follow-up of 31 months. Conclusion Robotic-assisted laparoscopic Heller-Dor is feasible with good median term results although some patients may experience intraoperative mucosal tears during the learning curve Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Surgical management of anal fissure versus Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment: a comparative prospective study

Background: Anal fissure is common condition in general population which cause severe pain at the anal region while defecation and associated with bleeding. These symptoms cause reduction in quality of life with considerable morbidity. The objective of this study was to compare the difference in outcome between open lateral anal sphincterotomy and application of topical 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment for the treatment of chronic anal fissure and their individual efficacy.Methods: 68 cases with a clinical diagnosis of anal fissure were recruited in the study. All selected patients met with inclusion criteria. Thus, selected cases were assigned to one of the other groups by odd and even method. Group A was managed conservatively using topical 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment, whereas Group B underwent open lateral anal sphincterotomy. Both groups were followed up at 3 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, after the treatment.Results: Among all the 68 patients, all patients had come with complaint of pain whereas 31 patients had bleeding per rectum along with pain. On clinical examination, hypertonic anal sphincter elicited in 47 patients, sentinel skin tag was noted in the 23 patients. Group A included 34 patients treated with topical 0.2% nitroglycerin ointment and group B included 34 patients who underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. In group A, 25 (73.5%) patients treated successfully, 9 (26.4%) patients were uncured who underwent lateral anal sphincterotomy, with no fresh complaints during follow up. By contrast, all patients in group B were successfully treated and only one (0.03%) patient came with unexplained discomfort and one patient suffered from flatus incontinency.Conclusions: This prospective study, demonstrates that open lateral internal sphincterotomy is superior to topical nitroglycerin application in the treatment of anal fissure with good symptomatic relief, high rate of healing with very low rate of early incontinence. Patients who are not willing to undergo surgery the glycerin trinitrate ointment can be used as medical line for fissure in ano.

Individualized surgical strategies for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Surgical strategies to treat drug refractory left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include septal myectomy (SM) and, less frequently, mitral valve (MV) repair or replacement. The primary aim of this study was to report the surgical technique and management outcomes in a consecutive group of patients with variable phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a broad national specialist practice. A total of 203 consecutive patients, 132 men (mean age 48.6 ± 14.6 years) underwent surgery for the management of LVOTO. Surgical approaches included SM (n = 159), SM with MV repair (n = 25), SM with MV replacement (n = 9) and MV replacement alone (n = 10). Specific surgical approaches were performed based on the underlying mechanism of obstruction. Eleven (5.4%) patients had previous alcohol septal ablation for the management of LVOTO. Concomitant non-mitral cardiac procedures were carried out in 22 (10.8%) patients. Operative survival rate was 99.0% with 2 deaths within 30 days. The mean bypass time was 92.9 ± 47.8 min, with a mean length of hospital stay of 10.5 ± 7.8 days. Surgical complications included 3 ventricular septal defects requiring repair (1.5%), 1 Gerbode defect surgically repaired, 2 aortic valve repairs (1.0%), 2 transient ischaemic attacks (1.0%) and 4 strokes (2.0%). Thirty-nine (19.2%) patients had perioperative new-onset atrial fibrillation and 8 (3.9%) patients had unexpected atrioventricular block requiring a permanent pacemaker. Mean resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient improved from 70.6 ± 40.3 mmHg preoperatively to 11.0 ± 10.5 mmHg at 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean New York Heart Association class improved from 2.6 ± 0.5 preoperatively to 1.6 ± 0.6 at 1 year after the procedure. In variable phenotypes of LVOTO in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an individualized surgical approach provided effective reductions in left ventricular outflow tract gradients and good symptomatic relief with acceptable mortality and morbidity.

Domperidone prolongs oral to duodenal transit time in video capsule endoscopy.

Domperidone is thought to accelerate gastric emptying via D2 receptor antagonism at the gastro-oesophageal and gastro-duodenal junctions. Listed in the BNF as a prokinetic anti-emetic, it has been used in video capsule endoscopy (VCE) to accelerate capsule delivery to the small intestine. We audited VCEs performed at UHCW from 2011, when as standard practice, domperidone was given pre-VCE, to 2012, after its discontinuation due to doubts about its effectiveness. Thirty-one patients received oral domperidone 20mg pre-VCE. Thirty-three patients underwent VCE without domperidone pre-treatment. After 2h, if the capsule remained intra-gastric, gastroscopy-assisted duodenal delivery was performed. Data was analysed using Mann-Whitney testing. Median oro-duodenal transit was 13 and 30min in the untreated and domperidone groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Median oro-caecal transit was 242 and 267min in the untreated and domperidone groups, respectively (p = 0.02). No difference in duodenal-caecal transit was seen (p = 0.60). Six percent of untreated and 13% of domperidone VCEs required gastroscopy-assisted duodenal capsule delivery (p = 0.65). Unexpectedly domperidone delayed VCE gastric transit. Most studies on domperidone prokinetic effects have been in diabetic gastroparesis, demonstrating that domperidone can achieve good symptomatic relief, but with mixed results for gastric emptying. Our study suggests that any antiemetic effects of domperidone are not mediated through accelerated gastric transit.

Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement with a Mini-open Direct Anterior Approach

Background:The opinion about best methods of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment are not consistent. Operative treatment of this condition may be arthroscopic, but open procedures with osteotomy of the greater trochanter and hip dislocation has been used. The present study evaluates the benefits of the mini-open direct anterior approach (DAA) in treating patients with FAI, with is a procedure available for most orthopedic surgeons.Materials and Methods:39 patients treated for FAI (25 men and 14 women) at an average age of 29.3 years (range 18–46 years) were reviewed in this retrospective study. The mean followup was 45 months, (range 24-55 months). The hip impingement test was positive in all patients. The diagnosis of FAI was confirmed on anteroposterior and lateral hip view radiographs. All patients were operated with mini-open DAA. The outcomes were assessed with the Harris Hip Score, Short-Form 36 Health Survey and VAS score. Preoperative osteoarthritis was assessed according to Tönnis score.Results:At the final followup, improvement was noted compared to preoperative status in Harris Hip Score (P < 0.00001), visual analog scale score (P < 0.001), and Short-Form-36 score (P < 0.001). Nineteen patients returned to their previous sports activities. No major complications occurred. One patient developed heterotopic ossification and three patients developed temporary postoperative meralgia paresthetica. Five patients from the treatment group required total hip arthroplasty for severe osteoarthritis.Conclusions:Mini-open DAA is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of FAI that gives good relief of symptoms and allows a successful return to preoperative activity levels. Further research with a longer followup period is needed to evaluate the influence of surgery on natural history of FAI.

Robot-Assisted Ventral Mesh Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse: A 5-Year Experience at a Tertiary Referral Center.

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is being increasingly performed internationally to treat rectal prolapse syndromes. Robotic assistance appears advantageous for this procedure, but literature regarding robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy in the largest consecutive series of patients to date. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. All of the patients undergoing robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse syndromes between 2010 and 2015 were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative (mesh and nonmesh) morbidity and functional outcome were analyzed. The actuarial recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 258 patients underwent robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (mean ± SD follow-up = 23.5 ± 21.8 mo; range, 0.2 - 65.1 mo). There were no conversions and only 5 intraoperative complications (1.9%). Mortality (0.4%) and major (1.9%) and minor (<30 d) early morbidity (7.0%) were acceptably low. Only 1 (1.3%) mesh-related complication (asymptomatic vaginal mesh erosion) was observed. A significant improvement in obstructed defecation (78.6%) and fecal incontinence (63.7%) were achieved for patients (both p < 0.0005). At final follow-up, a new onset of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation was induced or worsened in 3.9% and 0.4%. The actuarial 5-year external rectal prolapse and internal rectal prolapse recurrence rates were 12.9% and 10.4%. This was a retrospective study including patients with minimal follow-up. No validated scores were used to assess function. The study was monocentric, and there was no control group. Robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy is a safe and effective technique to treat rectal prolapse syndromes, providing an acceptable recurrence rate and good symptomatic relief with minimal morbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A427.

A randomised double blind trial to compare the efficacy and tolerability of itopride hydrochloride versus domperidone in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia: bloating predominant type

Background: Non-ulcer dyspepsia is a treatment challenge due to multiple pathophysiological mechanisms and different symptoms. Several prokinetic drugs are tried without any unanimity regarding safety and efficacy. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Itopride and Domperidone in bloating predominant non ulcer dyspepsia patients.Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to two groups (20 each) to receive either 50mg of Itopride three times daily or 10mg of Domperidone three times daily. Only patients with predominant bloating were considered and their baseline symptoms recorded. The symptoms were graded on a 4-point scale - the Global Symptom Score scale and the patients were reassessed at the end of 2 and 4 weeks. The relief of symptoms was also assessed at the end of 2 and 4 weeks on a 5-point scale - The Patients’ Subjective Global Assessment of Relief scale.Results: Both the drugs significantly produced symptomatic relief. Though Domperidone is marginally beneficial compared to Itopride after 4 weeks treatment in terms of improvement in symptom scores, the Subjective Global Assessment of relief did not show any significant improvement between the two drugs.Conclusions: Treatment with Itopride was safe, well tolerated, resulted in good symptomatic relief, and was comparable in efficacy to Domperidone in relieving the symptoms of NUD. Hence it can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Buerger's disease

Introduction This case demonstrates some of the features associated with Buerger's disease. This is a disease affecting the distal arteries causing ischaemia to the limb. It is associated with young patients who are heavy smokers. Case description A 27-year-old gentleman, who smokes heavily was admitted with ulcerated and necrotic toes. An angiogram was done which showed the cockscrew appearance of the more distal arteries classical of thromboanglitis obliterans, this is what causes the ischaemia. He was treated with smoking cessation and a standard five day course of Inoprost with good symptom relief. Results and conclusions Though Inoprost has good symptomatic relief the disease will continue to progress until the patient has completely stopped smoking as the autoimmune reaction is triggered by a component within the cigarette. If these patients do not stop smoking they are likely to require an amputation of the limb. Take-home message These patients require smoking cessation assistance. If these patients do continue to smoke, they often require amputation, therefore early counselling with an amputation service/physiotherapists is useful.

Reduced survival for uncemented compared to cemented total hip arthroplasty after operatively treated acetabular fractures

BackgroundPost traumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head are common complications after operatively treated acetabular fractures. This may cause severe disabilities for the patient, necessitating a total hip arthroplasty. Even though an arthroplasty may provide good symptomatic relief, the long-term results are more uncertain and no consensus exists according to preferred prosthetic designs. With this cohort study, we aimed to investigate the medium to long term arthroplasty survival and clinical results of total hip arthroplasty after operatively treated acetabular fractures. MethodsWe included 52 patients treated with a secondary total hip arthroplasty at a median of 2.4 (0.1–14.1) years after an operatively treated acetabular fracture. The median age was 54 (11–82) years. Cemented arthroplasty was used for 33 patients, 10 patients had an uncemented arthroplasty and 9 patients received a hybrid arthroplasty. Average follow up was 8.0 (SD 5.0) years. ResultsTen-year revision free arthroplasty survival was 79%. Uncemented arthroplasties had a significantly worse 10-year survival of 57%. Arthroplasties performed at a centre without a pelvic fracture service also had a significantly worse 10-years survival of 51%. Cox regression showed similar results with an 8-fold increase in risk of revision for both uncemented arthroplasties and operations performed at a non-pelvic trauma centre. ConclusionTotal hip arthroplasty secondary to an operatively treated acetabular fracture provides good symptomatic relief. These patients are, however, complex cases and are probably best treated at specialist centres with both pelvic trauma surgeons and arthroplasty surgeons proficient in complex revisions present.

Is one-stop surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome safe? A retrospective long-term follow-up study in a neurosurgical unit in Copenhagen

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate one-stop surgery (OSS) for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) regarding symptom relief and patient satisfaction. OSS in our setting means only one visit...

Surgical Treatment of Constrictive Pericarditis.

Constrictive pericarditis is the final stage of a chronic inflammatory process characterized by fibrous thickening and calcification of the pericardium that impairs diastolic filling, reduces cardiac output, and ultimately leads to heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging each can reveal severe diastolic dysfunction and increased pericardial thickness. Cardiac catheterization can help to confirm a diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction secondary to pericardial constriction, and to exclude restrictive cardiomyopathy. Early pericardiectomy with complete decortication (if technically feasible) provides good symptomatic relief and is the treatment of choice for constrictive pericarditis, before severe constriction and myocardial atrophy occur. We describe our surgical approach to constrictive pericarditis, summarize our results in 93 patients, and provide a brief overview of the literature.