High Success Research Articles

Displacement of maxillary dental implants: a case series on various scenarios

Abstract Background Oral rehabilitation with dental implants is a common procedure in modern dentistry due to its high success rates. However, complications such as implant displacement can occur, particularly in the maxillary region due to factors like atrophied maxilla, thin alveolar bone, and low bone density. This case series explores scenarios of maxillary dental implant displacement, emphasizing the impact of immediate preoperative imaging on patient outcomes. Case presentation Three cases of maxillary implant displacement are presented, each illustrating a different scenario. Complications resulting from the displacement of implants into adjacent structures such as the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity are described. All cases involved implants that were displaced during second-stage surgery, occurring four to six months post-implantation. Removal attempts used transnasal endoscopic, intraoral, or combined approaches, with only one implant successfully retrieved. Delays in surgery ranged up to 72 h, leading to one implant being swallowed and another unlocated. Outcomes varied, with some patients requiring hospitalization for up to five days. Conclusion This series highlights the crucial role of immediate preoperative 3D imaging in precisely locating displaced implants to ensure their safe and efficient removal. While implant displacement may not always be preventable, optimizing the timeframe between diagnostic imaging and surgical intervention can significantly enhance management. Accurately locating the implant minimizes treatment invasiveness and patient discomfort, thereby improving clinical outcomes.

BN SO52 - Innovative Tools for Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE) in Torbay Hospital

Abstract Background Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a minimally invasive technique used to manage common bile duct (CBD) stones. The procedure has evolved significantly with the development of specialized tools that enhance efficacy and patient outcomes. This abstract aims to discuss the various tools employed for LCBDE at Torbay Hospital, highlighting their specific uses, benefits, and outcomes. Method We conducted a retrospective analysis of LCBDE procedures performed at Torbay Hospital. The tools used included the Pusen ‘Skinny scope’, Ambscope, Nathenson tipless basket, GB stone retrieval basket, and Rotacrusher. Data were collected on the types of tools used, procedural success rates, stone clearance rates, and any complications Results The Pusen ‘Skinny scope’ (3mm) was used in 60% of cases for transcystic exploration, showing high success in stone visualization and retrieval. The Ambscope (5mm) was used in 30% of cases for choledochotomy, effectively accessing larger stones. The Nathenson tipless basket retrieved up to 8mm stones in 45% of cases. The GB stone retrieval basket extracted non-disposable stones up to 2cm. The Rotacnsher, used for large stones in choledochotomy, was highly effective but needed larger port access. Laser and mechanical lithotripters fragmented stones larger than 1cm with an 85% success rate. Overall stone clearance was 90% with minimal complications. Conclusion The use of specialized tools in LCBDE at Torbay Hospital has significantly improved the management of CBD stones. The Pusen ‘Skinny scope’ and Ambscope provide excellent visualization and access, while the Nathenson tipless basket and GB stone retrieval basket offer reliable stone extraction capabilities. Advanced lithotripters further enhance the ability to manage larger stones. These tools collectively contribute to high success rates and favorable patient outcomes, reinforcing the value of LCBDE in modern surgical practice.

Abstract 4141481: Outcomes of the upfront two stent strategies for bifurcation percutaneous coronary interventions: Insights from PROGRESS-BIFURCATION registry

Background: Upfront two-stent techniques are often used in bifurcation percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but there is controversy about optimal strategy selection. Methods: We examined the clinical, angiographic characteristics, and long-term outcomes of 206 bifurcation PCIs using the double kissing (DK) crush or the culotte techniques in 192 patients between 2014-2023 from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Bifurcation Lesion Interventions (NCT05100992). For the long-term outcomes adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the mixed effects Cox proportional hazards model. Results: DK crush was more commonly used (70.4%). Patients in the culotte group had similar baseline characteristics with the DK crush group. Lesions treated with culotte were more likely to be in the left anterior descending (54.1% vs. 35.9%, p<0.001) and circumflex arteries (21.3% vs. 9.0%, p<0.001), had smaller proximal (3.50 [3.00, 3.75] vs. 3.50 [3.30, 4.00] mm, p=0.032) and distal (3.00 [2.75, 3.00] vs. 3.00 [3.00, 3.50] mm, p=0.047) main vessel diameters, and were less likely to have severe calcification (6.6% vs. 32.4%, p<0.001). Technical success (96.7% vs. 98.6%, p=0.583), procedural success (93.1% vs. 93.9%, p=0.758), and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (3.4% vs. 6.1%, p=0.726) were similar in both groups. During a mean follow-up of 38-month, 32 (28.3%) patients experienced MACE. On multivariable analysis, culotte was associated with similar MACE (aHR 1.19; 95%CI 0.78-1.80; p=0.680), mortality (aHR 1.11; 95%CI 0.68-1.79; p=0.810), and target vessel PCI revascularization (aHR 0.58; 95%CI 0.30-1.13; p=0.460) compared with DK crush (Figure). Conclusions: Bifurcation PCI with DK crush and culotte had similarly high technical and procedural success, low in-hospital MACE, and long-term outcomes.

Abstract 4141480: Gender differences in bifurcation percutaneous coronary interventions: Update from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Bifurcation Lesion Interventions (PROGRESS-BIFURCATION)

Background: Gender differences on short and long-term outcomes following bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have received limited study. Research Questions: To examine gender differences in outcomes of bifurcation PCI. Methods: We examined the angiographic, procedural characteristics, and outcomes of 1084 bifurcation PCIs (1076 patients) performed at five centers between 2013-2024 from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Bifurcation Lesion Interventions (PROGRESS-BIFURCATION). Results: Women represented 25.19% of the entire study population. They were older (68.37±12.34 vs 66.09±11.54; p=0.001), less likely to be currently smokers (13.7% vs 20.4%; p=0.014), with higher left ventricular ejection fraction (%) (55.46±13.27 vs 53.16±12.55; p<0.001) and lower baseline creatinine (0.85 vs 1.00; p<0.001). Lesion characteristics were mostly similar, with slightly lower proximal and distal main vessel diameter in women. Their proximal main vessel was more likely to be left anterior descending artery (46.5% vs 39.4%; p=0.030) and less likely to be right coronary artery (10.3% vs 16.1%; p=0.030), compared to men. Technical success was similar (94.5% vs 94.6%; p=0.952), while procedural success was lower (89.6% vs 94.1%; p=0.011). In-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were more common in women (8.5% vs 4.2%; p=0.007), which presented with increased in-hospital mortality (4.1% vs 0.6%; p<0.001), stroke (1.8% vs 0.1%; p=0.005) and bleeding (1.8% vs 0.2%; p=0.013). Their PCIs required equal procedure time, but lower fluoroscopy time, contrast volume and air kerma radiation dose. Female gender was independently associated with higher in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (odds ratio (OR) 2.21; 95%CI 1.23-3.95; p=0.008) and lower procedural success (OR 0.56; 95%CI 0.32-1.00; p=0.044). Follow-up data were available for 733 patients (68.12%). The incidence of follow-up MACE was significantly higher in women (hazard ratio (HR) 1.36; 95%CI 1.02-1.81; p=0.038), while on adjusted mixed Cox proportional hazards analysis female gender was associated with higher follow-up MACE (HR 1.58; 95%CI 1.08-2.30; p=0.018). The incidence of follow-up mortality was similar between genders (HR 1.17; 95%CI 0.78-1.77; p=0.45). Conclusions: Bifurcation PCI can be accomplished with high technical success in women, but higher in-hospital and follow-up MACE, compared to men.

Impact of Stakeholder Collaboration on Project Milestones, Knowledge Sharing, and Conflict Prevention in Construction Companies of Hargeisa, Somaliland

This research delves into the contribution of collaboration among stakeholders towards enhancing the project as a whole by delivering project milestones, sharing knowledge and preventing conflicts. Out of the 210 adherents, data was collected from a sample of 210 who responded through a questionnaire and the results indicated that reasonably high percentages of those surveyed demonstrated a shared sense of understanding and readiness towards working collaboratively within project constraints. The descriptive statistics and the regression analysis that was employed to analyze data has shown that collaboration among stakeholders has got a high positive impact on milestone achievement (β = 0.75, p < 0.001) and knowledge sharing (β = 0.60, p < 0.001). However, on the other hand, while they have an impact, the effects in terms of preventing conflict are not strong, revealing a positive correlation (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) management of conflict, but moderate. These findings support the notion that within the management perspective, strategy focused communication, trust, and participative decision-making processes are key to high success in projects. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results also highlight that the fitted models are of a good fit (CFI=0.98, TLI=0.97, RMSEA=0.04) which support the hypotheses saying there is greatest amount of stakeholder collaboration, there is greatest milestone achievement, there will be more knowledge sharing and conflict will be less. The reliability analysis also supported the hypothesis that constructs were interrelated and associates with one another as all the values of Cronbach’s Alpha were above 0.70 (0.83, 0.78 and 0.81) for Stakeholder Engagement, Project Trust and Conflict respectively.

Safe Anesthesia Practices for Minimally Invasive, Image-guided Procedures: CT, MRI, and Ultrasound

Background: The demand for minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound, is increasing. Understanding the role of anesthesia in enhancing patient safety, comfort, and procedural success is essential. Methods: This study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over two years, involving 150 patients. Anesthesia techniques were categorized as general anesthesia, sedation, and local anesthesia. Patient outcomes, complications, and satisfaction scores were recorded and analyzed. Results: In this study, general anesthesia was administered to 65 patients (43.3% of cases), sedation was used for 56 patients (37.3%), and local anesthesia was applied to 29 patients (19.3%). The overall procedural success rate was high, at 141 successful completions (94%), with minor complications occurring in 7 patients (4.7%) and major complications in 2 patients (1.3%). Patient satisfaction scores indicated that 96 participants (64%) reported being very satisfied with their anesthesia experience, while 45 patients (30%) indicated they were satisfied. These findings highlight the effectiveness and safety of the selected anesthesia practices in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, demonstrating a strong correlation between appropriate anesthesia techniques and positive patient outcomes. The data underscore the importance of tailored anesthesia protocols to enhance procedural success and patient satisfaction in this clinical setting. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that tailored anesthesia practices can achieve high success rates and patient satisfaction in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Despite the low incidence of complications, ongoing research is needed to refine anesthesia protocols and explore advanced, image-guided techniques to further enhance patient safety and comfort.

Percutaneous Closure of Postmyocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture – A Single Center Experience from the Eastern Part of India

Abstract Background: Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but lethal mechanical complication of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It results in 90%–95% mortality within 2 months of diagnosis without any kind of intervention. Given high surgical mortality, transcatheter closure has emerged as a potential strategy and as an alternative to high-risk surgical closure. Indian data on percutaneous device closure of post-AMI VSR are limited; hence, we report our resource-limited single-center experience with different kinds of occluder devices for closure of post-AMI VSR. Methods and Results: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent transcatheter closure of postmyocardial infarction (MI) VSR between 2018 and 2024 at Health World Hospitals in Durgapur, West Bengal, were included. The primary outcome was a mortality rate of 30 days. The study population was eleven primary cases of post-MI VSR. The mean age of the population was 61 years. The majority of the patients had anterior wall MI (54.5%), and the remaining had inferior wall MI. Different kinds of devices (Amplatzer atrial septal occlude, post-MI VSD device, and Konar-Multifunctional Occluder) were used to close VSR. Successful closure was performed in 9 patients (81%) with minimal residual shunt in 2 patients. Of 9 cases, 3 patients expired; one was lost to follow-up, and the rest are doing well at 30-day follow-up. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PMI VSRs can be performed with different kinds of devices with high technical success, relatively low procedural complication rates, and a good 30-day survival even in a setup outside the metropolis with limited availability of devices, as an alternative to very high-risk surgical closure.

Positive Correlation Between Fecal Estrogen and Glucocorticoid Metabolites in a Female Clouded Leopard.

Clouded leopards are notoriously difficult to manage under human care due to their tendency toward high stress, intersex aggression, and limited reproductive success. This case study investigated the endocrinological interplay between adrenal and ovarian steroids and describes a positive correlation between concentrations of fecal estrogen and glucocorticoid metabolites in a female clouded leopard. The female was monitored through two sampling periods approximately 16 months apart, and each data set yielded similar results using a simple linear regression model. The finding of a significant positive correlation between the two steroids represents a novel finding in felids and a hitherto unidentified potential interplay between adrenal and ovarian steroid activity. It also adds to our collective understanding of the effects of estrus on female clouded leopards, impacting conservation efforts as we encourage reproduction in this vulnerable species.

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy: a multi-centre New Zealand experience.

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia. We aim to review outcomes of all POEM cases performed in New Zealand for achalasia. A retrospective review of all POEM procedures performed in the five hospitals offering POEM between November 2015 and December 2022 was undertaken. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as Eckardt score ≤3. Secondary outcomes included procedural complications. One hundred and sixty-six index and four redo POEM procedures were performed by seven clinicians. Ninety-six (58%) were male and mean age was 49.6 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.2 years). Eighty-three (50%) had a previous achalasia intervention. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day (interquartile range [IQR] 1-2 days). Median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 8 (IQR 6-9) and improved to 0 (IQR 0-2) at 6 months (p<0.001). Technical success was achieved in 164 (99%). Clinical success was achieved in 124 (93%) at 6 months and sustained to 12 months in 37/42 (88%) of these patients with follow-up data. Clinical success was achieved in 92% who underwent any prior intervention. There were five reported complications: tunnel leak (three), significant pain (one) and pneumothorax (one). One tunnel leak required thoracotomy for empyema debridement, all other complications were managed conservatively. Forty-seven (31%) reported symptomatic reflux after POEM. This first review of all POEM procedures performed in New Zealand for achalasia demonstrates high 6-month clinical success and safety for the management of achalasia.

Patellae as a source of DNA in forensic and archaeological analysis.

Analysing genetic material from skeletonised human remains has become valuable in forensic and archaeological contexts. While the petrous bone is often preferred for DNA extraction, its availability is not guaranteed, and because of destructive sampling, it is not frequently used in forensic cases. This study explores the potential of patellae as an alternative source of bone material for genetic investigations. Forty-five patellae were sampled from a post-World War II mass grave and an archaeological Christian cemetery dated from the 13th to 19th centuries. A full demineralisation extraction method was used to obtain the DNA, and real-time PCR quantification was used to determine the quantity and quality of DNA. To evaluate the suitability of patellae for forensic and archaeological analyses, short tandem repeat (STR) typing was performed using the ESI17 Fast PCR amplification kit (Promega). To explore the difference in DNA yield, DNA degradation and STR typing success between the post-World War II and archaeological patellae, statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed significantly higher DNA yield and STR typing success in WWII patellae and higher degradation of DNA in archaeological patellae, highlighting the impact of environmental exposure time on genetic material preservation. Almost all WWII patellae achieved a high success rate in STR typing with full profiles generated. More than half of the archaeological patellae showed high STR typing performance and highly informative partial profiles were obtained, indicating the suitability of patellae not only for forensic purposes but also for archaeological genetic analyses.

Robotic Management of Complex Obstructive Megaureter Needing Ureteral Dismembering and/or Tapering in Children: A Single-Center Case Series

Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (REVUR) has been described as valuable alternative to open reimplantation in the pediatric population. This study aimed to report the outcome of REVUR in children with complex obstructed megaureter (COM) needing ureteral dismembering and/or tapering. Materials and Methods: The records of patients with COM, who received REVUR with ureteral dismembering and/or tapering over the last 3 years (2021–2024), were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria for COM included previous surgery, paraureteral diverticula, or ectopic megaureter. Results: A total of 16 patients (15 boys), with a median age of 7.8 years (range 2–16), were treated over the study period. COM was associated with paraureteral diverticula (n = 6), previous failed endoscopic balloon dilation (n = 4), ectopic megaureter (n = 2), and previous bulking agent endoscopic injection causing iatrogenic ureteral obstruction (n = 4). Presentation symptoms included febrile urinary tract infections (n = 8), flank pain (n = 4), hematuria (n = 2), and pseudo-incontinence (n = 2). All surgical procedures were accomplished robotically without conversions or intra-operative complications. Ureteral tapering was performed in 7/16 (43.7%). The median operative time (including robot docking) was 220 min (range 155–290). The median length of stay was 3.8 days (range 3–7). The indwelling double J stent was removed 4–6 weeks postoperatively. Clavien 2 grade complications occurred postoperatively in 2/16 (12.5%). At median follow-up of 34.5 months, all patients were asymptomatic and showed improved hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasound and improved drainage on diuretic renogram. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation is a safe and effective treatment for primary obstructive megaureter and other complex ureteral anomalies in our patient cohort. The procedure showed low complication rates, high success rates, and favorable long-term outcomes, supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of robotic surgery for these conditions.

Clinical Results of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage With Different Hepatic Access and Methods in the Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice

Background: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a common procedure for biliary obstruction jaundice caused by biliary tract obstruction. PTBD can be performed using external or external-internal methods, by the right or left lobe approach. However, differences in both the method used and the hepatic approach may affect success rates and complications. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the outcomes and complications of PTBD and compare them according to different methods and hepatic approaches. Methods: Patients who underwent PTBD procedures in our interventional radiology department due to benign or malignant pathologies between March 2021 and March 2024 were included in the study. The diagnoses of the patients, and total and direct bilirubin values before and after the procedure were recorded. The clinical results and the complications of PTBD were compared statistically according to the hepatic approach and method. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant factors associated with PTBD success and complications. Results: Sixty patients were included in our study (32 men, 28 women; mean age: 67.14±13.61 y). The most common indication was malignant bile duct obstruction (90%). The obstruction was mostly at the level of the common bile duct (46.7%). The success rate of PTBD was the highest with the left-side external biliary drainage approach (left-side external biliary drainage, 81.2%; right-side internal-external biliary drainage, 77.8%; right-side external biliary drainage, 69.2%; P=0.596). The complication rate was higher for right-side access (right side 15.9%, left side 12.5%, P=0.744). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PTBD success in females was 5 times higher than in males [Exp(B): 5.000, β: 1.609, P&lt;0.05]. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that methods used, entry lobes, and entry levels did not significantly affect PTBD success and complication incidence (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: All approaches and methods used during PTBD were associated with low complications and high success rates. Nevertheless, external biliary drainage with right hepatic access has the lowest clinical success rate and a higher complication rate than the left-lobe approach. We observed that left-sided external biliary drainage was the most successful method and had fewer complications.

Performance of Chatgpt in ophthalmology exam; human versus AI.

This cross-sectional study focuses on evaluating the success rate of ChatGPT in answering questions from the 'Resident Training Development Exam' and comparing these results with the performance of the ophthalmology residents. The 75 exam questions, across nine sections and three difficulty levels, were presented to ChatGPT. The responses and explanations were recorded. The readability and complexity of the explanations were analyzed and The Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score (0-100) was recorded using the program named Readable. Residents were categorized into four groups based on their seniority. The overall and seniority-specific success rates of the residents were compared separately with ChatGPT. Out of 69 questions, ChatGPT answered 37 correctly (53.62%). The highest success was in Lens and Cataract (77.77%), and the lowest in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (0.00%). Of 789 residents, overall accuracy was 50.37%. Seniority-specific accuracy rates were 43.49%, 51.30%, 54.91%, and 60.05% for 1st to 4th-year residents. ChatGPT ranked 292nd among residents. Difficulty-wise, 11 questions were easy, 44 moderate, and 14 difficult. ChatGPT's accuracy for each level was 63.63%, 54.54%, and 42.85%, respectively. The average FRE score of responses generated by ChatGPT was found to be 27.56 ± 12.40. ChatGPT correctly answered 53.6% of questions in an exam for residents. ChatGPT has a lower success rate on average than a 3rd year resident. The readability of responses provided by ChatGPT is low, and they are difficult to understand. As difficulty increases, ChatGPT's success decreases. Predictably, these results will change with more information loaded into ChatGPT.

Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of core needle biopsy as a first-line method for cervical lymphadenopathy.

This study aimed to determine the feasibility, diagnostic efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with cervical lymphadenopathy in whom US-guided CNB was used as the first-line biopsy method for cervical lymph nodes (LNs) of presumed non-thyroid origin. The coaxial CNB technique was routinely used, while the tilting and hydrodissection CNB techniques were selectively employed for small high-risk LNs. The primary endpoint of this study was the diagnostic efficacy of CNB, evaluated by the rate of inconclusive results (nondiagnostic and indeterminate) and diagnostic accuracy (criterion 1: malignant results; criterion 2: malignant or indeterminate result). The secondary outcomes included the feasibility and safety of CNB, assessed based on the technical success rate and complication rate, respectively. The rates of nondiagnostic, indeterminate, and inconclusive results were 0.7%, 3.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CNB for malignant LNs were 96.2%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively, with criterion 1, and these values were all 99.8% with criterion 2. The technical success rate of CNB was 99.3%. There were no major complications and 7 cases (0.6%) of minor complications (asymptomatic hematomas). CNB was technically feasible, effective, and safe as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin with high diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodal disease. Question The role of US-guided CNB as a first-line biopsy method for cervical LNs has not yet been verified and established. Findings US-guided CNB, as a first-line method, demonstrated a high technical success rate and diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodes, with few minor complications. Clinical relevance US-guided CNB can be used as an effective first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy and will enable accurate diagnosis of malignant LNs.

Clinical Efficacy of CBCT and 3D-Printed Replicas in Molar Autotransplantation: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined cone-beam (CBCT)/3D-replicas protocol on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of autotransplanted molars. Controlled clinical trial registered ISRCTN13563091 from August 2019 to September 2022. Patients aged 13-22 years requiring permanent premolar extraction and having at least one non-erupted third molar were enrolled at the Institute of Stomatology, Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. Patients in the 3D-replicas (n = 30) underwent maxillary CBCT scans and had 3D-printed replicas of the third molar fabricated, while the control group (n = 28) did not. The clinical outcomes included tooth mobility, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The radiographic outcomes included root development, obliteration, periapical status, and crown changes at 12 months. Of the 55 patients assigned to interventions, 46 completed the study. No significant differences in survival and radiographic outcomes were found between the control (n = 22) and 3D-replica group (n = 24): root development (p = 0.3), root resorption (p = 0.057), periapical status (p = 0.7), and crown/root ratio change (p = 0.4). Logistic regression showed no significant associations between radiologic predictors (root resorption: p = 0.4; periapical status: p > 0.9; root development: p = 0.8). Significant clinical outcome predictors included total operative time (β = 0.0043, p = 0.049), Moorrees' stage (stage 4: β = -0.31, p < 0.001; stage 5: β = -0.39, p < 0.001), and four donor placement times (β = 0.93, p < 0.001), but group assignment was not a significant predictor. The CBCT/3D-replica protocol showed no significant differences in the clinical or radiological outcomes. The high success rates in both groups suggest that the protocol is valuable primarily for optimizing surgical efficiency and as a training tool for clinicians.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with cholestasis following liver transplantation.

Biliary strictures are among the most common complications following liver transplantation (LT). If endoscopic retrograde cholangiography fails, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) may serve as an alternative approach. Description of clinical important short- and long-term outcomes as well as outcome prediction following PTBD after LT are scarce. We analyzed outcomes of 56 liver-transplanted adults with biliary complications receiving a PTBD. We described the safety and longitudinal laboratory changes. We analyzed as endpoints, incidence of biliary complications, need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT and overall-survival at 12- and 60-months. We used simple comparison tests accordingly and performed competing risk analysis and multivariate competing risk regression as well as log-rank test and cox proportional hazard regression for further analysis. PTBD procedures had a high technical success rate (98%) and tolerable safety profile. Multiple laboratory indicators improved during follow-up (37 patients with complete biochemical follow-up). Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of present biliary strictures (Anastomotic stricture (AS): adjusted SHR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.78, p = 0.016). Need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT remained below 15%. 12-month survival was significantly better, if drainage into the small intestine was achieved at first attempt compared to completely external drainage (internal: 92.9 vs. external: 67.9%, p = 0.018). Patients with AS had a numerically higher long-term-survival and higher C-reactive-protein (CRP) and lower body-mass-index (BMI) at baseline were significantly associated with inferior short- and long-term-survival. PTBD for biliary complications following LT had a high technical success and a tolerable safety profile. Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of biliary strictures and increased mortality was found in patients with higher CRP, lower BMI and failure of initial PTBD internalization.

Optimization of Communication Signal Adversarial Examples by Selectively Preserving Low-Frequency Components of Perturbations

Achieving high attack success rate (ASR) with minimal perturbed distortion has consistently been a prominent and challenging research topic in the field of adversarial examples. In this paper, a novel method to optimize communication signal adversarial examples is proposed by focusing on low-frequency components of perturbations (LFCP). Observations on model attention towards DCT coefficients reveal the crucial role of LFCP within adversarial examples in altering the model’s predictions. As a result, selectively preserving LFCP is established as the fundamental concept of the optimization strategy. By utilizing the binary search algorithm, which considers the inconsistency in the model’s predictions as a constraint, LFCP can be effectively identified, and the aim of minimizing perturbed distortion while maintaining ASR can be achieved. Experimental results conducted on a publicly available dataset, six adversarial attacks and two DNN models, indicate that the proposed method not only significantly minimizes perturbed distortion for FGSM, BIM, PGD, and MI-FGSM but also achieves a modest improvement in ASR. Notably, even for DeepFool and BS-FGM, which introduce small perturbations and exhibit high ASRs, the proposed method can still deliver feasible performance.

The outcome of nontransecting anastomotic urethroplasty in recurrent bulbar urethral stricture and its impact on sexual functions: A prospective observational study

Purpose: The management of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture had no consensus and faced many challenges such as the risk of failure, ischemia, and sexual dysfunction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the outcome of nontransecting anastomotic urethroplasty in recurrent bulbar urethral stricture disease (USD) less than 3 cm and its impact on sexual functions. Material and methods: This is a prospective descriptive study that included patients with recurrent bulbar USD ≤ 3 cm. Full history taking and clinical examination, including International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), were documented. Moreover, retrograde urethrogram, uroflowmetry, and penile Doppler were undergone. The nontransecting urethroplasty techniques were performed: Heineke-Mikulicz principle stricturoplasty for stricture ≤1 cm without excision of the stricture and nontransecting excision and primary anastomosis without transecting the corpus spongiosum for stricture 1 to 3 cm. Each patient was routinely evaluated through a 12-month follow-up using IPSS and IIEF, uroflowmetry, and postvoiding residual urine. Results: Thirty-three patients were included in the study with a mean stricture length of 1.45 ± 0.7 cm. Twelve patients had failed previous urethroplasty, while 21 patients had previous visual internal urethrotomy. Nontransecting excision and primary anastomosis in 14 patients and Heineke-Mikulicz principle stricturoplasty in 19 patients were performed. There was no recurrence of stricture urethra, except for one patient, who required visual internal urethrotomy at a 3-month follow-up, with mean postoperative IPSS of 3.04 ± 2.745, Qmax 23.89 ± 2.714 mL/s, and postvoiding residual urine 26 ± 33 cc. No significant differences were reported between pre- and postoperative IIEF (18.61 ± 5.448 versus 19.33 ± 5.599, respectively, P = 0.236). Conclusion: Nontransecting urethroplasty can achieve a high success rate in short recurrent bulbar USD without the potential sexual morbidity.

Subureteric injection for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in transplant kidneys

Introduction: Treatment of de novo vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) into the transplanted kidney constitutes a clinical challenge. Herein, we present our data on patients who underwent endoscopic subureteric injection for the treatment of VUR following renal transplantation (RT) in our center. Methods: The patients who underwent endoscopic subureteric injection for VUR into the transplanted kidney after RT in our department between 2008 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Indication for subureteric injection, age, gender, laterality, number of injections, amount of material used, renal failure etiology, auxiliary procedures, and treatment success were noted. All interventions were performed by pediatric urologists who also perform RT. Results: During a median followup of 27.5 (4–160) months, 22 patients (17 women, 77.2%) and 23 transplanted ureters (13 right, eight left, one bilateral) were treated with subureteric injections. In all patients, the indications for subureteric injection were recurrent febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and the grades of VUR varied between I and IV. Patients received a median of 1.65 cc (0.7–2.7) dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer. In total, 10 RTs (eight from living donors, two from cadaveric donors) were performed in another center, whereas 13 RTs were carried out in our center (eight from cadaveric donors and five from living donors). Among the patients who were transplanted in our center, the rate of subureteric injections due to de novo symptomatic VUR after RT was 2.2% (13/593 patients). After subureteric injections, five patients required a second injection due to the recurrence of VUR. Ureteroureterostomy (to the native ureter) was performed in two patients who had further UTIs after the second endoscopic treatment. Eventually, 19/21 patients (90.4%) benefited clinically from the endoscopic treatment and none of the patients underwent re-do ureteroneocystostomy. It is noteworthy that the etiology of renal failure was VUR nephropathy in seven (31.8%) patients. Conclusions: Subureteric injection provides a high clinical success for the treatment of de novo VUR after RT.

What We Know So Far About ECG for Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Background: Endoscopic cysto-gastrostomy (ECG) has become the treatment of choice for pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs). Endoscopic drainage of PPCs requires the creation of an anastomosis between the lumen of the PPCs and the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Various types of stents are used for this purpose. The aim of the study is to compare the indications, quantity, and results of using double pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs) and lumen-apposing fully covered metal stents (LAMSs) in ECG. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 39 patients (24 men, 15 women) treated for PPCs in the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery and the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology between October 2018 and February 2023. The mean age of patients was 51.13 (28–77). Data about etiology, cyst diameter, type, and complications of the stents were collected. Results: DPPSs were placed in smaller cysts (108 vs. 140 millimeters, p = 0.04) and were maintained for a longer duration compared to LAMSs (106 vs. 34 days, p = 0.001). Cyst recurrence was reported less frequently in patients with a LAMS (0 (0%) vs. 4 (19.05%), p = 0.05) and the therapeutic success was non-significantly higher in the LAMS group compared to the DPPS group (100% vs. 85.71%), p = 0.095. Conclusions: Both DPPSs and LAMSs are characterized by high therapeutic success and low complication rates in patients undergoing ECG for PPCs.