Initial Postoperative Follow-up Research Articles

Abnormal Postoperative PROMIS Scores are Associated With Patient Satisfaction in Adult Spinal Deformity and Degenerative Spine Patients.

Retrospective review. To evaluate (1) patient satisfaction after adult spine surgery; (2) associations between the number of abnormal PROMIS domain scores and postoperative satisfaction; and (3) associations between the normalization of a patient's worst preoperative PROMIS domain score and postoperative satisfaction. Although "legacy" patient-reported outcome measures correlate with patient satisfaction after adult spine surgery, it is unclear whether PROMIS scores do. We included 1119 patients treated operatively for degenerative spine disease (DSD) or adult spinal deformity (ASD) from 2014 to 2019 at our tertiary hospital who completed questionnaires preoperatively and at ≥1 postoperative time points up to two years. Postoperative satisfaction was measured in ASD patients using items 21 and 22 from the SRS 22-revised questionnaire and in DSD patients using the NASS Patient Satisfaction Index. The "Worst" preoperative PROMIS domain was that with the greatest clinically negative deviation from the mean. "Normalization" was a postoperative score within 1 SD of the general population mean. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with satisfaction. Satisfaction was reported by 88% of DSD and 86% of ASD patients at initial postoperative follow-up; this proportion did not change during the first year after surgery. We observed an inverse relationship between postoperative satisfaction and the number of abnormal PROMIS domains at all postoperative time points beyond 6 weeks. Only among ASD patients was normalization of the worst preoperative PROMIS domain associated with greater odds of satisfaction at all time points up to one year. The proportion of DSD and ASD patients satisfied postoperatively did not change from six weeks to 1 year. Normalizing the worst preoperative PROMIS domain and minimizing the number of abnormal postoperative PROMIS scores may reduce the number of dissatisfied patients. PROMIS data can guide perioperative patient management to improve satisfaction. Level-3.

Comparative analysis of early post-operative outcomes between retzius-sparing and anterior approach robotic radical prostatectomy for a single surgeon

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative and early post-operative outcomes between retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) versus standard approach for RARP (S-RARP). Patients and methods: All RARPs by a single surgeon were included and divided into two groups: (1) standard approach including combined anterior–posterior approach (S-RARP); (2) retzius-sparing posterior approach (RS-RARP). Allocation was based on prostate size and location of index lesion on MRI. Initial post-operative follow-up was at 6 weeks. Results: Overall, 169 RARPs were performed between March 2018 and October 2021: S-RARP = 99 versus RS-RARP = 70. There was no significant difference in pre-operative body mass index (BMI), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group and clinical T stage. Intraoperative differences were found in blood loss (300 versus 200 mL, p = 0.008), console time (180 versus 135 minutes, p < 0.001) favouring RS-RARP, with no differences in nerve-spare or lymph node dissection. Post-operatively, no difference was found in ISUP grade, pathological T stage, positive surgical margins, number of lymph nodes sampled, readmissions or complications. Gland size in the RS group was smaller (38 versus 29 g, p = 0.001). Early (6 weeks) post-op follow-up showed a significant difference between groups for both pad-free continence (35% versus 53%, p = 0.011) and social continence (79% versus 89%, p = 0.024), but no difference for erectile function recovery (27% versus 50% of baseline) and post-op PSA levels < 0.1 ng/mL (85% versus 93%). Conclusion: Even early in the learning curve, continence recovery, operative time and blood loss were significantly better for RS-RARP than S-RARP. Margin status and PSA levels are comparable to published literature for both groups. Standardised training in RS-RARP might help to improve the uptake of this novel technique. Level of evidence: 2.

Computed Tomography Derived Patient-specific Instrumentation Total Ankle Arthroplasty Survivorship Outcomes

Computed tomography (CT) derived patient-specific total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) systems have been utilized for improved accuracy and reproducible implant alignment. The purpose of the present study was to report the overall implant survivorship as well as radiographic analysis of patients who underwent primary TAA utilizing CT-derived patient-specific instrumentation. A retrospective review of medical charts and radiographs were performed on patients who had undergone primary TAA at a single institution in the Midwest region from March 2013 to October 2020. Radiographic analysis included preoperative, initial postoperative, and final follow-up coronal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment as well as periprosthetic radiolucency. A total of 96 patients with a mean follow-up of 3 years (range, 0.3-7.3 years) were included. Implant survivorship was found to be 92% at median follow-up of 3 years. A total of 8 cases (8.3%) required revision/reoperation, with 6 (6.3%) of these reoperations directly related for failure of one of the metallic implant components. There was significant improvement in both coronal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment from preoperative to initial postoperative follow-up (p < .001). At latest postoperative follow-up, there were 88% of TAAs that remained in a neutral alignment following surgery. A total of 10 cases were found to have radiolucency at latest follow-up. In conclusion, the use of CT derived patient-specific TAA showed high implant survivorship with significant improvement of sagittal and coronal tibiotalar alignment. With better implant alignment and position, it potentially reduces the risk of early implant failure or implant loosening in long-term follow-up.

Contrast enhanced duplex ultrasound for early postoperative follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair: Relation to patient's initial risk of complications.

Current guidelines recommend initial postoperative follow-up with computed tomography angiography (CTA) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, CTA has risks associated with ionizing radiations and nephrotoxic contrast agents. We investigated possibilities to replace the initial postoperative CTA with contrast enhanced duplex ultrasound (CE-DUS) in selected patients. Out of the 273 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR, 173 were excluded and the 100 patients who underwent CTA and CE-DUS imaging concurrently (≤1 month interval between CTA and CE-DUS imaging) within 60 days after EVAR were analyzed. Patients who underwent EVAR outside the manufacturer's instructions for use or who had endoleaks discovered on intraoperative angiography were classified as the high-risk group, otherwise, they were classified as the low-risk group. Measurements of diagnostic values of CE-DUS ​​related to the detection of complications were calculated using CTA as the gold standard. McNemar's test was performed to compare these values and Pearson correlation coefficient was derived to compare CE-DUS measurements of sac diameters with CTA. In the low-risk group, no difference was observed between CE-DUS and CTA in the detection of EVAR-related complications (sensitivity = 0.95, specificity = 0.93). In the high-risk group, CE-DUS was not as accurate as CTA for the detection of overall EVAR-related complications (sensitivity = 0.57, specificity = 0.86, p = 0.04) and for the detection of complications other than endoleaks (p = 0.02). Regarding sac diameter measurement, there was good agreement between CE-DUS and CTA (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). First postoperative CE-DUS was reliable for the evaluation of EVAR-related complications compared to CTA in selected patients. Individualized EVAR follow-up strategy using CE-DUS based on the initial risk of EVAR-related complications should be considered.

Prediction of Late Postoperative Hemorrhage after Whipple Procedure Using Computed Tomography Performed During Early Postoperative Period.

ObjectivePostpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is an uncommon but serious complication of Whipple surgery. To evaluate the radiologic features associated with late PPH at the first postoperative follow up CT, before bleeding.Materials and MethodsTo evaluate the radiological features associated with late PPH at the first follow-up CT, two radiologists retrospectively reviewed the initial postoperative follow-up CT images of 151 patients, who had undergone Whipple surgery. Twenty patients showed PPH due to vascular problem or anastomotic ulcer. The research compared CT and clinical findings of 20 patients with late PPH and 131 patients without late PPH, including presence of suggestive feature of pancreatic fistula (presence of air at fluid along pancreaticojejunostomy [PJ]), abscess (fluid collection with an enhancing rim or gas), fluid along hepaticojejunostomy or PJ, the density of ascites, and the size of visible gastroduodenal artery (GDA) stump.ResultsCT findings including pancreatic fistula, abscess, and large GDA stump were associated with PPH on univariate analysis (p ≤ 0.009). On multivariate analysis, radiological features suggestive of a pancreatic fistula, abscess, and a GDA stump > 4.45 mm were associated with PPH (p ≤ 0.031).ConclusionEarly postoperative CT findings including GDA stump size larger than 4.45 mm, fluid collection with an enhancing rim or gas, and air at fluid along PJ, could predict late PPH.

Inferior Rectus Transposition: A Novel Procedure for Abducens Palsy

Superior rectus transposition has been popularized for the treatment of abduction deficiencies. Potential complications include induced vertical deviation and torsion. A new procedure, the inferior rectus transposition (IRT), may be similarly beneficial for patients at risk for postoperative vertical deviation or incyclotropia. The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of patients undergoing IRT. Prospective, interventional case series. Five patients in an academic pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus practice with a complete lateral rectus palsy who underwent IRT were studied. Changes in anomalous head posture, ocular rotations, ocular alignment, and torsion preoperatively to postoperatively were compared. The patients ranged in age from 19-89 years. There was a significant correction in the angle of esotropia (ET) from 39±17Δ (14-55Δ) to 12 ± 9.8Δ (0-22Δ) postoperatively (P= .02). Two of 5 patients had preoperative hypertropia of the affected eye (1.4 ± 2.2Δ; range, 2-5Δ). One of those had no vertical deviation postoperatively and 1 patient resulted in 2Δ hypotropia. One patient without vertical misalignment preoperatively developed a small postoperative vertical deviation. Torticollis significantly improved from 31.4 ± 11.6° to 5 ± 5.8° (P= .004). All patients improved abduction, with a mean of-4.4 ± 0.5 preoperatively to-3.4 ± 0.9 postoperatively (P= .07). Initial postoperative follow-up in patients with abducens palsy undergoing IRT shows a significant improvement in ocular alignment and torticollis. In patients with preoperative hypertropia, IRT resulted in a downward shifting effect on the operated eye. IRT may be a beneficial procedure for patients with preoperative hypertropia or intorsion requiring transposition procedures. Future studies with larger populations and longer durations of follow-up will be required before this procedure can be recommended.

Rate of Malunion Following Bi-plane Chevron Medial Malleolar Osteotomy

Access to the medial half of the talus can be challenging even with an osteotomy. Although several techniques are presented in the literature, critical evaluation of fixation, union, and alignment is lacking. The chevron medial malleolar osteotomy provides advantages of perpendicular instrumentation access and wide exposure to the medial talus. Postoperative displacement resulting in malunion, and possibly provoking ankle osteoarthritis, is a known complication. The present study describes our experience with the osteotomy. A consecutive series cohort of 50 bi-plane chevron osteotomies performed from 2004 to 2013 were evaluated. Forty-six were secured using 2 lag screws, and 4 were secured using 2 lag screws and a medial buttress plate. Radiographic studies performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks and at final follow-up were analyzed for postoperative displacement, malunion, non-union, and hardware-related complications. At initial postoperative follow-up, 47 of 50 had adequate radiographs for review, and 18 of 47 (38.3%) showed some displacement when compared to the initial osteotomy fixation position. By final follow-up, 15 of 50 (30.0%) had measurable incongruence. Hardware removal was performed in 13 (26.0%) cases at an average of 2.4 years postoperation. Bi-plane medial malleolar chevron osteotomy fixed with 2 lag screws showed a 30.0% malunion rate with an average of 2 mm of incongruence on final follow-up radiographs, which is higher than what has been reported in the literature. In our practice, we now use a buttress plate and more recently have eliminated postoperative osteotomy displacement. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Imaging surveillance and survival for surgically resected non–small-cell lung cancer

IntroductionThe importance of imaging surveillance after treatment for lung cancer is not well characterized. We examined the association between initial guideline recommended imaging surveillance and survival among early-stage resected non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data (1995–2010). Surgically resected patients, with stage I and II NSCLC, were categorized by imaging received during the initial surveillance period (4–8 mo) after surgery. Primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary treatment interventions were examined as intermediary outcomes. ResultsMost (88%) patients had at least one outpatient clinic visit, and 24% received an initial computerized tomography (CT) during the first surveillance period. Five-year survival by initial surveillance imaging was 61% for CT, 58% for chest radiography, and 60% for no imaging. After adjustment, initial CT was not associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.14). On subgroup analysis, restricted to patients with demonstrated initial postoperative follow-up, CT was associated with a lower overall risk of death for stage I patients (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.98), but not for stage II (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71–1.42). There was no significant difference in rates of secondary interventions predicted by type of initial imaging surveillance. ConclusionsInitial surveillance CT is not associated with improved overall or lung cancer –specific survival among early-stage NSCLC patients undergoing surgical resection. Stage I patients with early follow-up may represent a subpopulation that benefits from initial surveillance although this may be influenced by healthy patient selection bias.

Combined Liposuction and Excision of Lipomas: Long-Term Evaluation of a Large Sample of Patients

Background. Lipomas are benign tumors of mature fat cells. They can be removed by liposuction, yet this technique is seldom employed because of concerns that removal may be incomplete and recurrence may be more frequent than after conventional excision. Objectives. We assessed the short- and long-term clinical outcomes and recurrence of combined liposuction and limited surgical excision of subcutaneous lipomas. Methods. From 2003 to 2012, 25 patients with 48 lipomas were treated with liposuction followed by direct excision through the same incision to remove residual lipomatous tissue. Initial postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 week to 3 months, and long-term outcomes, complications, and recurrence were surveyed 1 to 10 years postoperatively. Results. Lipomas on the head, neck, trunk, and extremities ranged from 1 to 15 cm in diameter. Early postoperative hematoma and seromas were managed by aspiration. Among 23 survey respondents (92%), patients were uniformly pleased with the cosmetic results; none reported recurrent lipoma. Conclusions. The combination of liposuction and excision is a safe alternative for lipoma removal; malignancy and recurrence are uncommon. Liposuction performed through a small incision provides satisfactory aesthetic results in most cases. Once reduced in size, residual lipomatous and capsular tissue can be removed without expanding the incision. These favorable outcomes support wider application of this technique in appropriate cases.

Managing health care in a universal bed model system to improve patient outcomes and cost savings after lobectomy procedures.

e17595 Background: We measured our outcomes before and after thoracic universal bed (UB) model implementation for patients undergoing lobectomy for primary lung cancer. Methods: 630 patients with primary lung cancer underwent lobectomy: 198 open thoracotomy (OL) patients before (1/2001-12/2005) and 432 patients (1/2006-12/2011) either via OL (n= 258) or via video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) (n=174) after transitioning to the thoracic UB model. Results: Discharge mortality was zero post-UB implementation (vs. 2% pre-UB; p&lt;0.05). 30-day mortality was equivalent (pre-UB 4% vs. UB: OL1%, VATS 0%; p=0.2). Postoperative complications were lower in the UB model (Pre-UB 41% vs. UB: OL 26%, VATS 20%; p &lt;0.001), and similar for OL vs. VATS post-UB (p=0.2). Median length of ICU stay was 0 days (pre-UB IQR 29 vs. UB: OL IQR 14, VATS IQR 3; p &lt;0.001; UB: OL vs. VATS; p=0.2). Median length of stay (LOS) was decreased in the UB model and in VATS post-UB (pre UB 5 days vs. UB: OL 3, VATS 2 days; p &lt; 0.001; UB OL vs. VATS, p &lt; 0.001, respectively) with no difference in readmissions (8% vs. 7%, 8%; p=0.9; UB: OL vs. VATS, p=1.0 respectively). Mean total hospital costs fell 37% from $ 24,423 per patient to $ 15,434 post- UB (p&lt;0.05), and similar for OL vs. VATS in the UB model (OL $ 15, 711 vs. VATS $15,022; p=0.2). Home-discharge was more common in UB patients (pre-UB 91% vs. UB: OL 98%, VATS 94%; p &lt;0.05), and similar for OL vs. VATS post-UB (p=0.1). Postoperative chemotherapy and or radiotherapy treatment were similar (pre-UB 31% vs. UB: OL 37%, VATS 22%; p=0.9). Survival rates were similar at 1, 3, 5 years (pre-UB 89%, 72%, 62% vs. UB: OL 89%,69%, 63%, VATS 92%, 81% and 69%, p=0.6). Complications, LOS and chest tube duration were independent predictors of higher cost in the multivariable analysis in favor of the UB model. Non-home discharge and absence of initial postoperative follow-up within or ≥ 4 months were independent predictors of perioperative mortality and poor survival, respectively, in favor of the UB model. Conclusions: The thoracic UB care model is patient-centered, outcomes-driven, value-based approach focused on safety of patients and efficiency of postoperative care.

Durability of hearing preservation after microsurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma using the middle cranial fossa approach

The middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a microsurgical technique described as a primary option in the treatment of small, intracanalicular schwannomas involving the eighth cranial nerve. Excellent rates of complete tumor resection, hearing preservation, preservation of facial nerve function, and low complication rates have been reproduced using this technique. However, the durability of hearing preservation attained using the various treatment options has not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the durability of long-term hearing preservation in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) treated via the MCF approach. The authors hypothesize that hearing preservation in these patients will prove to be durable years after treatment in a high percentage of cases. Retrospective medical chart review was performed in 103 consecutive patients undergoing resection of VS via a modified MCF approach between 1999 and 2008. Patients in whom surgical goals were gross-total resection and hearing preservation were included. Preoperative and postoperative hearing assessment was performed using standard audiometric testing, and classified according to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) guidelines as a primary outcome measure. Outcomes and neurological complications initially, and at 1, 3, and 5 years following operation were analyzed. Initial hearing preservation rates were in keeping with the best previously published results. At initial postoperative audiometric follow-up, of the patients presenting with Class A hearing, 67% remained Class A, 17% were Class B, 1% were Class C, and 15% were Class D. Of patients presenting with Class B hearing, 24% were Class A, 53% remained Class B, 6% were Class C, and 18% were Class D. Of patients presenting with Class C hearing, 100% remained Class C. To assess the durability of hearing preservation in our patients, the authors evaluated hearing function at regular intervals after the initial postoperative audiometric follow-up. Audiometric data were available for 56 patients at 5-year follow-up. Of the 20 patients with Class A hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, 13 (65%) remained Class A, 6 (30%) were Class B, and 1 (5%) was Class C. Of the 12 patients with Class B hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, 4 (33%) were Class A, 4 (33%) remained Class B, and 4 (33%) were Class C. Of the 3 patients with Class C hearing at initial postoperative follow-up with 5-year follow-up, all 3 (100%) remained Class C. A majority of patients with preserved hearing following the MCF approach for treatment of VS experience durability of their preserved hearing at 5-year follow-up. The initial AAO-HNS classification was preserved in 13 (65%) of the 20 patients who had Class A hearing at 5 years, and in 8 (67%) of the 12 who had Class B hearing at 5 years. Overall, a decline in AAO-HNS classification was noted in 15% of patients with preserved Class A hearing, and in 33% of those with preserved Class B hearing. Facial nerve function was preserved in 91% of cases. Superior hearing preservation as well as good outcomes in facial nerve function and few serious complications can be accomplished using the MCF approach for resection of small VSs.

Scapular notching in reverse shoulder arthroplasties: The influence of glenometaphyseal angle

Solutions described to limit the risk of scapular notching mainly concern the glenoid. Our hypothesis is that this risk also depends upon the glenoid-humeral relationship when the arm is resting along the body. This is a retrospective study of a continuous series of 85 reverse shoulder arthroplasties; 62 of these fulfilled inclusion criteria. The following parameters were studied: body mass index (BMI), inferior overhang of the glenosphere, the angles showing the position of the glenoid (GH) and the humerus (MH) in the scapular plane as well as the glenometaphyseal angle (GM=MH-GH), during an initial postoperative follow-up, at 1 and 2 years, and at a final follow up of a mean 45 months (24-81). The parameters studied were compared in two groups with and without scapular notching. There were 21 instances of notching at the final follow-up. This rate was significantly correlated to the BMI, which was a mean 27.2 in patients without a notch and 22.6 in patients with a notch, while the preoperative inclination of the glenoid in these groups was respectively 92.3° versus 85° respectively, the inferior overhang of the glenosphere was 4mm versus 2.8mm, the GM angle was 36° versus 47°, the MH angle at one year of follow-up was 135° versus 145° and the GH angle at the final follow-up was 103° versus 94° respectively. The BMI was significantly correlated to the GM angle, and a low BMI was associated with high values of this angle. The relative position of the glenoid and humeral components, as shown by the GM angle, was an essential factor in the development of a scapular notching. The humeral component of the GM angle evolved in thin patients with progressive adduction of the arm, which is associated with a risk of notching. This should be taken into account when performing reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Level IV retrospective study.

Upper airway radiofrequency ablation with nasal surgery: An effective and cost‐effective strategy for socially‐disruptive snoring

6 Week Follow-up. After an initial post-operative follow-up, patients were seen in the office 6 weeks after surgery. The patient was instructed to come with the RFA device that they had been given after the initial surgery. All patients were encouraged to undergo a second stage RFA of the palate in the office. Due to concerns of patients tolerance, tongue RFA was not repeated in the office unless the patient had continued snoring after a series of palate RFA titrations. The procedure was performed while sitting upright under local anesthesia. The soft palate was anesthetized with 14% Benzocaine spray followed by injection of 8cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine into the soft palate. The previously used RFA applicator was cleaned with an alcohol swab. A similar pattern of 6 RFA lesions of 300 J each was then applied. The RFA applicator was again cleaned with an alcohol swab and handed to the patient. In most cases, the patient was given a prescription for hydrocodone and a steroid taper pack.

Malignant solitary fibrous tumour of the orbit

We aimed to report a case of orbital solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) in a child and to review the relevant literature. We describe an SFT in a 13-year-old boy with a 1-month history of painless proptosis in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well circumscribed mass filling most of the left intraconal orbit. The lesion was excised and histopathological examination revealed a malignant SFT. Postoperative follow-up for 18 months was uneventful. Malignant SFT of the orbit should be included in the differential diagnosis of paediatric orbital tumours. Complete surgical excision remains the preferred method of management and the longterm prognosis is guarded.