Incidence Of Surgical Complications Research Articles

Impact of smoking on the incidence and post-operative complications of total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most ubiquitous joint disorders which cause tremendous loss of life quality and impose an economic burden on society. At present, the treatment options for these two diseases comprise non-operative and surgical treatments, among those total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various studies have recognized smoking as a significant risk factor for post-operative complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of smoking on the incidence and post-operative complications after a TKA by a systematic review and meta-analysis. The research was performed using PUBMED, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, extracting data from thirteen suitable studies and incorporating 2,109,482 patients. Cohort studies evaluating the impact of smoking on TKA with sufficient data were included for the study, and cohort studies without a proper control group and complete data were excluded from the analysis. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was used to measure the pooled risk ratio or hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared to non-smokers, smokers had a significantly lower incidence of TKA (p < 0.01). However, smokers had a higher incidence of total complications (p = 0.01), surgical complications (p < 0.01), pneumonia (p < 0.01), and revision surgery (p = 0.01). No significant difference in the risk of blood transfusion (p = 0.42), deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.31), pulmonary embolism (p = 0.34), urinary tract infection (p = 0.46), or mortality (p = 0.39) was found between smokers and non-smokers. In conclusion, the study indicated that tobacco has two diametrically opposite effects on TKA patients: (1) Tobacco increases the incidence of surgical complications, pneumonia and revision after TKA; (2) It decreases the overall risk of being a candidate for TKA.

Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm involving the vertebral artery

ObjectiveMicrovascular decompression (MVD) has become an accepted treatment modality for the vertebral artery (VA)–involved hemifacial spasm (HFS). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and surgical outcomes of HFS patients undergoing MVD and surgical and cranial nerve complications and investigate reasonable transposition procedures for two different anatomic variations of VA.MethodsBetween January and December 2018, 109 patients underwent first MVD for HFS involving VA at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Based on whether the VA could be moved ventrally at the lower cranial nerves (LCNs) level, patients were assigned to Group A (movable VA, n = 72) or B (unmovable VA, n = 37), and clinical and surgical outcomes and complications on the day of post-surgery and during follow-up were assessed. All patients were followed up ranging from 17 to 24 months with a mean follow-up period of 21 months.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 21 months, the total cure rate significantly decreased in all patients compared to that achieved on the day of surgery, and Group A patients exhibited a higher cure rate versus Group B (93.1% vs. 75.7%, P = 0.015). Group B patients with unmovable VA revealed both higher incidence of surgical complications (45.9% vs. 15.3%, P = 0.001) and frequency of bilateral VA compression (27% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.009) versus Group A. No significant difference was observed in long-term cranial nerve complications.ConclusionsVA-involved HFS can benefit from MVD strategies after preoperative assessment of VA compression. HFS patients with movable VA may receive better long-term efficacy and fewer complications. A Teflon bridge wedged between the distal VA and medulla gives rise to adequate space for decompression surgery.

Effect of Diabetes and Hemoglobin A1c on Complications Following Elective Hand Surgery.

Background: Limited research exists investigating the association between diabetes and glycemic control on complications following elective hand surgery. The goal of this research was to assess the incidence of complications within 30 days of elective hand surgery in a large population of diabetic patients compared to a population of non-diabetics. Furthermore, we sought to examine the relationship of glycemic control, as measured by HbA1c, and postoperative complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our institution of all patients who underwent elective hand, forearm, or elbow surgery from the dates of January 1st, 2008 to December 31st, 2017. Patients were categorized as diabetic or non-diabetic and most recent HbA1c was documented. Multivariable analysis was employed to compare the incidence of surgical complications within 30 days between the diabetics and non-diabetic populations, adjusting for baseline patient characteristics. Results: A total of 3,261 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 646 (20%) diabetic patients and 2,615 (80%) non-diabetic patients. No difference was found in the overall rate of complications between the cohort of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Additionally, statistical analysis found no difference in the complication rate between insulin and non-insulin controlled diabetics. Rates of complications were stratified based on HbA1c level and statistical analysis found no increased risk of complications with increased hemoglobin A1c value. Conclusions: In our present study we were not able to demonstrate any significant difference in the 30 day complication rates between and non-diabetics undergoing elective hand surgery. This study attempted to aid in risk stratification of diabetic patients by evaluating preoperative glycemic indices in the form of HbA1c.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovarian needle drilling for clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome in subfertile women.

Ovulatory disturbance is a key diagnostic feature of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), leading to infertility and correspondingly heavy disease burden. Many therapeutic strategies have been used to induce ovulation for women with PCOS who are infertile. Ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovarian needle drilling (UTND) is a novel surgical method used to induce ovulation for women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS at the outpatient clinic. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UTND for subfertile women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS. We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases to December 2020. We checked conference abstracts, reference lists, and clinical trials registries. We also contacted experts and specialists in the field for any additional trials . We planned to include randomised controlled trials comparing UTND to laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and UTND combined with gonadotropins to gonadotropins, in women of reproductive age with clomiphene-resistant PCOS and infertility. Two review authors independently screened the trials identified by the search for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The primary outcomes were live birth rate and incidence of surgical complications (bleeding and infection). Secondary outcomes included pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. We planned to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data. We would assess overall quality of the evidence by applying the GRADE criteria. We did not identify any trials for inclusion in the review. We were unable to assess the benefit or harm of applying UTND for women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS, as no studies could be included in the current review. We moved the previously included trials to studies awaiting classification due to concerns regarding methodology. Since we did not identify any studies for inclusion, we were unable to assess the benefit or harm of applying UTND for women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS.

Microsurgical anatomy of the internal carotid artery at the skull base.

The aetiology and significance of internal carotid artery variations at the skull base remain controversial after decades, with limited available literature. Approximately 10-40 per cent of the general population has parapharyngeal internal carotid artery variations. A prospective observational study was conducted on internal carotid artery variations in 36 cadavers, in a tertiary care hospital, between March 2019 to March 2020. The most common internal carotid artery variation observed in the specimens was tortuosity, in 30 per cent, followed by kinking in 18 per cent and coiling in 10 per cent. Thirty per cent of specimens had variations present bilaterally. A loop pattern of the internal carotid artery was identified. Coiling of the internal carotid artery may present as a node; hence, meticulous dissection is advocated near the skull base to avoid complications. These variations hold utmost importance for otorhinolaryngologists performing pharyngeal and nasopharyngeal surgical procedures. A detailed knowledge of anatomy, along with its variations, and surgical expertise, will help reduce the incidence of surgical complications.

Nighttime Kidney Transplant From Donor With Controlled Cardiac Death: Greater Functionality at the Cost of More Complications?

Kidney transplantation surgery from controlled cardiac death donor (Maastricht III) is frequently performed at night, without taking into account the accumulated fatigue that the surgical team may experience. The objective of the study is to assess whether surgical complications and the functionality of the graft in the short and long term are affected by the time of day in which kidney transplantation from controlled cardiac death donors is performed. A retrospective observational study was carried out. Patient were classified according to the start of surgery, daytime hours (8:00 AM to 7:59 PM), and nighttime hours (8:00 PM to 7:59 AM). Baseline and intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and parameters related to graft functionality were analyzed. A total of 77 patients were included: 37 patients had kidney transplantations performed during the daytime (48.05%), and 40 patients had kidney transplantations performed at nighttime (51.95%). No statistically significant differences were found between the baseline characteristics of both groups except for sex (55.0% men in daytime vs 78.4% men in nighttime, P=.03) and time on pretransplant dialysis (33.1 months in daytime vs 13.8 months in nighttime, P=.008). The incidence of surgical complications and the functionality of the graft was similar in both groups; however, the surgical time was shorter in night transplants (163.2 minutes in daytime vs 136.5 minutes at nighttime, P=.0006) CONCLUSION: The performance of kidney transplants at night is not associated, either in the short or long term, with an increase in surgical complications or conditions leading to the deterioration in the functionality of the graft.

Early effectiveness of robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty via direct superior approach

To evaluate the early effectiveness of the robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) via direct superior approach (DSA). Between March 2021 and April 2021, 11 patients (11 hips) were treated with a robot-assisted THA via DSA. There were 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 55 years (range, 26-73 years). There were 5 patients of osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia and 6 patients of osteonecrosis of femoral head. Preoperative hip Harris score was 55.8±6.3. The operation time, volume of blood loss, length of incision, postoperative blood transfusion and hospital stay, and the incidence of surgical complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Harris score were used to evaluate hip joint pain and function. The leg length discrepancy (LLD) was measured on the X-ray films. The inclination angle and anteversion angle of the acetabular component were also measured, and the difference between the planned and actual values were compared. One THA was performed via conventional posterolateral approach finally because of poor exposure. The rest of 10 THAs were performed with assistance of robotic arm via DSA. The average operation time was 89 minutes (range, 65-120 minutes); the average length of incision was 10.5 cm (range, 9-13 cm); and the average blood loss was 400 mL (range, 110-740 mL). One patient was given a blood transfusion for 2 unit. All incisions healed by first intention and no neurovascular injury, deep vein thrombosis, or fracture occurred. The length of hospital stay after operation was 2-6 days (mean, 4.4 days). The duration of follow-up was 1-3 months (mean, 2.1 months). The VAS score was 0 in 9 patients and 2 in 1 patient at the day of discharge. At last follow-up, the hip Harris score was 84.9±6.7, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation ( t=-8.717, P=0.000). The inclination and anteversion angles were (37.4±2.0)° and (17.1±4.5)°, respectively, and there was no significant difference when compared with the planned values [(38.2±1.6)°, (16.6±3.7)°] ( t=1.809, P=0.104; t=-1.103, P=0.299). The LLD ranged from -2 to 4 mm. No complication such as dislocation, aseptic loosening, or periprosthetic joint infection occurred. The robot-assisted THA via DSA has encouraged early effectiveness.

Fabricating a surgical template for guiding sinus floor elevation in the maxillary sinus septa with simultaneous implant placement: A dental technique

The presence of sinus septa, common anatomic structures of the maxillary sinus, may increase the incidence of surgical complications during sinus floor elevation. This article introduces a digital protocol for achieving safe and precise sinus floor elevation with an individualized surgical template that combines implant placement and the lateral sinus window technique. This technique facilitates precise preplanning and preparation of the lateral osteotomy window and the implant site and reduces surgical complications, shortens surgical duration, and improves patient-related outcomes.

Complications in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery: definitions, classifications, incidence and risk factors - an up-to-date review.

Almost all gynecological and general-surgical operations are – or can be – performed laparoscopically. In comparison to an abdominal approach, the minimally invasive access offers several advantages; however, laparoscopy (both conventional and robotic-assisted) can be associated with a number of approach-specific complications. Although the majority of them are related to the laparoscopic entry, adverse events may also occur due to the presence of pneumoperitoneum or the use of laparoscopic instruments. Unfortunately, a high proportion of complications (especially affecting the bowel and ureter) remain unrecognized during surgery. This narrative review provides comprehensive up-to-date information about definitions, classifications, risk factors and incidence of surgical complications in conventional and robotic-assisted laparoscopy, with a special focus on gynecology. The topic is discussed from various perspectives, e.g. in the context of stage of surgery, injured organs, involved instruments, and in relation to malpractice claims.

Reduced-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in obese gastric cancer patients.

Reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy is currently widely performed for patients with gastric cancer. However, its safety in obese patients has not yet been verified. This is the first study on reduced-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (RpLDG) in obese patients with gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term surgical outcomes and investigate the feasibility and safety of RpLDG in obese patients with gastric carcinoma. A total of 271 gastric cancer patients who underwent RpLDG at our institution were divided into two groups: non-obese [body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2, n = 251; NOG] and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, n = 20; OG). The mean age of the enrolled patients was 64.8 ± 11.4 years, with 72.0% being men and 28.0% women. Operative details and short-term surgical outcomes, including hospital course and postoperative complications, were compared by retrospectively reviewing the medical records. No significant difference in operation time was found between the NOG and OG (205.9 ± 40.0 vs. 211.3 ± 37.3 minutes, P = 0.563). Other operative outcomes in the OG, including estimated blood loss (54.1 ± 86.1 vs. 54.0 ± 39.0 mL, P = 0.995) and retrieved lymph nodes (36.2 ± 16.4 vs. 35.5 ± 18.2, P = 0.875), were not inferior to those in the NOG. There were also no statistical differences in short-term surgical outcomes, including the incidence of surgical complications (13.9% vs. 10.0%, P = 1). RpLDG can be performed safely in obese gastric cancer patients by an experienced surgeon. It should be considered a feasible alternative to conventional port distal gastrectomy.

Clinical Observation of UreTron Single-Probe Ultrasonic Intracorporeal Lithotripter for Ureteral Calculi.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to observe and discuss the effectiveness and safety of the UreTron single-probe ultrasonic intracorporeal lithotripter in ureteroscopic lithotripsy.MethodsThe clinical data of patients with unilateral solitary ureteral calculi treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy who were hospitalized at the Department of Urology (West District) of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between March 2016 and August 2020 were selected for retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into the UreTron group (group U) and holmium laser group (group H) according to the lithotripsy method adopted. The operation duration, length of hospital stay, stone clearance rate, proportion of patients requiring flexible ureteroscopy-assisted lithotripsy, and complications were compared between the groups.ResultsThere was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of the general characteristics, operation duration, or length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). Regarding the stone clearance rate (group U=93.5%; group H=75%), proportion of patients requiring flexible ureteroscopy-assisted lithotripsy (group U=6.5%; group H=27.8%), and incidence of surgical complications (group U=1 case; group H=9 cases), group U was superior to group H, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, the differences in other complications (cardiocerebral complications and lower extremity thrombosis) were not statistically significant between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe UreTron system is a new lithotripsy apparatus that is safe and effective for ureteroscopic lithotripsy and has certain advantages in terms of the stone clearance rate, proportion of patients requiring flexible ureteroscopy-assisted lithotripsy, and surgical complications, making it worthy of clinical application.

Utilization, Complications, and Costs of Inpatient versus Outpatient Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

Although total hip and knee arthroplasty have largely moved to the outpatient setting, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) remains a predominantly inpatient procedure. Currently, evidence on the safety and potential cost savings of outpatient TEA is limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the costs and complications associated with performing TEA in the inpatient versus outpatient setting. We identified patients who received elective TEA using the Truven Health MarketScan database. Outcomes of interest were 90-day complication rate, readmission rate, and procedure costs in the inpatient and outpatient settings. We used propensity score matching and logistic regression analysis to assess how patient comorbidities and surgical setting influenced complications and readmission rates. The median cost per patient was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. We identified 307 outpatient and 414 inpatient TEA procedures over a 9-year period. Elixhauser comorbidity scores were higher for the inpatient cohort. The incidence of surgical complications was significantly higher in the inpatient than the outpatient cohort (27% vs 9%). The odds of 90-day readmissions were similar in the 2 groups (37% vs 25%). In terms of cost, the median inpatient TEA was more expensive than outpatient TEA ($26 817 vs $18 412). However, the median cost for occupational therapy within 90 days of surgery was higher for outpatient TEA patients ($687 vs $571). The results of this study demonstrate that surgeons can consider a transition toward outpatient TEA for patients without significant comorbidities, as this will substantially reduce health care costs.

Prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals with unusual patterns of nerve branching using cone beam computed tomography.

Lack of knowledge concerning the inferior alveolar canal anatomical variations had proven to increase the incidence of surgical complications, so the study aimed to assess the configuration and prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone beam CT in Egyptian subpopulation. Cone beam CT scans of 278 patients (530 hemi-mandibles) were included in the study, in which bifid and trifid mandibular canals or any other branching patterns were recorded and evaluated. Bifid canals were categorized following Naitoh classification, and the diameter of the main mandibular and accessory canals was measured. Bifid canals were detected in 181 canals (34%) while trifid canals in 46 canals (8.7%). Upon classifying the bifid canals, 78 canals showed forward type, 40 retromolar type, 33 dental type, and 7 canals showed buccolingual type. Two special bifid canals subtypes were reported in 23 canals and nine distinct patterns of trifid canals were reported in our study. In addition, unusual patterns of canal branching were reported in 5 cases. The mean diameter of the accessory canals was 1.18 ± .54mm and the main canal was 3.98 ± 1.31mm. This study reported a high prevalence (54%) of canal branching, which reinforces the importance of cone beam CT in pre-surgical planning.

Totally laparoscopic central bisectionectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

Laparoscopic central bisectionectomy is still an area of great challenge and technically requiring surgery due to high incidence of surgical complication and poor intraoperative outcomes. We report our experience totally laparoscopic central bisectionectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. The patient was 77-years-old man and was performed laparoscopic low anterior resection with ileostomy, cholecystectomy for rectal cancer 3 years before admission. He diagnosed metachronous CRLM and on magnetic resonance imaging, 5 cm sized hepatic mass was shown between segment 4 and 8 with middle hepatic vein (MHV) involvement. During operation, the Cavitron Ultra Sonic Aspirator® and Sonicision™ (Medtronic) was applied for hepatic parenchyma dissection. For resection of major glissonian pedicle and MHV, Signia™ staple (Medtronic) was used. After right anterior glissonian pedicle was isolated and temporary clamping, 2.5 mg ICG was injected intravenously. The ICG stained area could be recognized, and subsequent parenchyma dissection was completed successfully under Pringled maneuver. Specimen was retieved via extended umbilical port site. The operation time was 205 minutes and the estimated blood loss was 300 mL. No transfusion was done intraoperatively and postoperatively. There was no significant complication after surgery. Computed tomography was checked on postoperative day 5, showed no abnormal pathologic findings. On pathologic findings, metastatic adenocarcinoma sized 5.4 cm with clear resection margin was diagnosed. The patient discharged on postoperative day 7. Laparoscopic central bisectionectomy is safe and feasible compared with conventional open surgery. ICG imaging system is effective and helpful for safe hepatic resection.

Surgical Morbidity and its Associated Factors in Ovarian Carcinoma

Aims: To estimate 30-day surgical morbidity in patients with ovarian carcinoma and identify its associated factors.&#x0D; Methods: This was an observational study conducted at two cancer hospitals, from October 2020 to March 2021. All women with ovarian carcinoma that underwent surgery were enrolled in the study. Incidence of surgical complications was recorded. Patients were followed up to the 30 th day post- operatively. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors affecting surgical complications and their association was determined.&#x0D; Results: A total of 31 patients were analyzed in this study. The incidence rate of surgical complications was 29%. Total 11 complications occurred in nine patients (one intra-operatively and 10 post-operatively). Post-operative complications were wound infection (n=4; 12.9%), urinary tract infection (n=2; 6.4%); one each had post-op ileus, hemorrhage and deep vein thrombosis; and one mortality. Advancing age, increased Body Mass Index, primary surgery, higher surgical complexity score, increased operative time, increased blood loss, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, presence of chronic disease were associated with surgical morbidity; and their hospital stay was longer (p=0.04).&#x0D; Conclusion: The common complications were wound infection and urinary tract infection.

Impact of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Versus University of Wisconsin Solution on the Outcome of Pancreas Transplant With Cold Ischemic Time ≥12 Hours: A Retrospective Study.

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate and University of Wisconsin solutions are currently used for pancreas graft preservation. Our hypothesis was whether the use of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution is associated with worse pancreas graft survival than University of Wisconsin solution, in general and after prolonged cold ischemic time of ≥12 hours. This retrospective study investigated the impact of static cold storage in histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (n = 133) versus University of Wisconsin (n = 107) solution on outcomes of 240 pancreas transplant procedures. Patient and graft survival rates were compared after 1, 3, and 5 years in both groups. Serum lipase, amylase, and C-reactive protein levels and incidence of surgical complications were evaluated at postoperative week 1. A subgroup analysis of 96 grafts (52 with histidine-tryptophanketoglutarate/44 with University of Wisconsin) with pancreas graft cold ischemic time ≥12 hours was also performed. At mean follow-up of 75.2 ± 9.9 months, both groups demonstrated comparable short- and long-term patient survival. Overall, pancreas graft survival was slightly better in the histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate group (Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank P = .013). However, the subgroup analysis of grafts with cold ischemic time ≥12 hours showed slightly better pancreatic graft survival in the University of Wisconsin group, although not significantly (log-rank P = .95). Serum lipase and C-reactive protein levels at postoperative week 1 were higher in the histidinetryptophan-ketoglutarate group. Surgical complications were comparable. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified neither solution as a risk factor affecting patient and graft survival. Although a direct comparison between histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate and University of Wisconsin showed better pancreas graft survival with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate, the multivariable analysis showed that the perfusion solution does not significantly influence patient and graft survival. However, in the analysis of transplants with cold ischemic time ≥12 hours, pancreas graft survival was slightly better in the University of Wisconsin group, although not significantly.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical morbidity of primary versus patch repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients

Large studies comparing the surgical outcome of primary versus patch repair in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients are rare. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of surgical complications in both types of CDH repair. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Studies on CDH between 1991 and August 2020 were systematically screened and meta-analyses were performed. Primary outcomes of this review were: haemorrhage, chylothorax, recurrences and small bowel obstruction (SBO). A total of 6436 abstracts were screened, after which 25 publications were included (2910 patients). Patch repaired patients have a 2.8 times higher risk on developing a recurrence (20 studies) and a 2.5 times higher risk on developing a chylothorax (five studies). Moreover, they have a two times higher risk on developing a SBO. No studies could be included that evaluated the incidence of surgical haemorrhage between these patients. Although the quality of the studies was relatively low, patch repaired patients have a higher risk on developing a recurrence, chylothorax and small bowel obstruction. Large prospective studies are required to adjust for severity of disease, to reveal the true causative factors in order to minimize the risk on these surgical complications in both types of patients.

The Role of Biopsy in the Workup of Patients with Neuroblastoma: Comparison of the Incidence of Surgical Complications and the Diagnostic Reliability of Diverse Techniques.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, accounting for approximately 15% of all cancer-related deaths in the pediatric population. The overall survival of children with high-risk disease is around 40–50% despite the aggressive treatment protocols. In accordance with the most recent guidelines, a complete classification of the primary tumor, including its histopathological and molecular analysis, is necessary. In this regard, the biopsy of the primary tumor is an important diagnostic procedure adopted not only to confirm the diagnosis but also for staging and risk stratification of the disease. In this study, the authors describe their unicentric experience with four different approaches adopted for sampling NB tumors: (i) the open incisional biopsy; (ii) the minimally invasive thoracoscopic/laparoscopic incisional biopsy; (iii) the ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy; (iv) the laparoscopic-assisted core needle biopsy. The benefits of each technique are analyzed along with their contraindications.

The influence of the antithymocyte globulin dose on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing kidney retransplantation

Optimizing antithymocyte globulin (rATG) dosage is critical for high immunological risk patients undergoing a repeat kidney transplant. This natural retrospective cohort study compared clinical outcomes of two successive cohorts of consecutive recipients of retransplants receiving 5 x 1 mg/kg (rATG-5, n = 100) or a single 3 mg/kg (rATG-3, n = 110) dose of rATG induction therapy. All patients had negative complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch and no anti-HLA A, B, DR donor-specific antibodies (DSA). The primary endpoint was efficacy failure (first biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, or death) at 12 months. There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of efficacy failure (18.0% vs. 21.8%, HR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.66-2.25), respectively. There were no differences in 3-years freedom from biopsy proven acute rejection, and patient, graft, and death-censored graft survivals. There were no differences in the incidence of surgical complications (25.0% vs. 18.2%; p 0.151), early hospital readmission (27.8% vs. 29.5%; p = 0.877) and CMV infections (49% vs. 40%; p = 0.190). There were also no differences in the incidence (59.6% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.897) and duration of delayed graft function but a stable difference in estimate glomerular filtration rate was observed from month 1 (54.7±28.8 vs. 44.1±25.3 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.005) to month 36 (51.1±27.7 vs. 42.5±24.5, p = 0.019). Mean urinary protein concentration (month 36: 0.38±0.81 vs. 0.70±2.40 g/ml, p = 0.008) and mean chronic glomerular Banff score in for cause biopsies (months 4-36: 0.0±0.0 vs. 0.04±0.26, p = 0.044) were higher in the rATG-3 group. This cohort analysis did not detect differences in the incidence of efficacy failure and in safety outcomes at 12 months among recipients of kidney retransplants without A, B, and DR DSA, receiving induction therapy with a single 3 mg/kg rATG dose or the traditional 5 mg/kg rATG.

Reconstructive outcome analysis of the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on immediate breast reconstruction: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) was initially applied to locally advanced breast cancer to convert advanced lesions to an operable status. Currently, its application has been expanded to enhance overall oncological results, especially in patients with triple-negative or HER-2-positive breast cancer. With more NACT being applied, the role and impact of this approach on breast reconstruction needs to be determined. This study aimed to perform a complete reconstructive outcome analysis of patients receiving NACT who underwent immediate breast reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective review of a single reconstructive surgeon’s immediate breast reconstructions performed from July 2008 to December 2018 was undertaken. The results were stratified by the use of NACT. Patient demographics, delivery of NACT, adjuvant treatment, incidence of surgical complications, and postoperative photographs were analyzed.ResultsA total of 269 patients were included. The mean follow-up was 46.3 months. Forty-six out of 269 patients received NACT and were included in the NACT group. The other patients were included in the non-NACT group. When implant-based reconstruction was planned, the NACT group had a higher rate of two-stage tissue expander-implant reconstruction than direct-to-implant reconstruction (p < 0.001). The requirement for postmastectomy radiotherapy was higher in the NACT group (p < 0.001). The surgical complication rates were similar between groups after adjusting for confounding factors. The objective aesthetic outcomes assessed by 6 plastic surgeons were also similar between groups.ConclusionsImmediate breast reconstruction is a safe and reliable procedure, with an acceptable reconstructive complication rate and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, for patients treated with NACT.