Late Postoperative Time Research Articles

Impact of preoperative age-adjusted sagittal imbalance on radiographic and clinical outcomes following 1-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Prior studies investigating the use of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) for treatment of degenerative lumbar conditions and concomitant sagittal deformity have not stratified patients by preoperative pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) mismatch, which is the earliest parameter to deteriorate in mild sagittal deformity. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of preoperative PI-LL mismatch on clinical outcomes and sagittal balance restoration among patients undergoing MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Consecutive adult patients undergoing primary 1-level MI-TLIF between April 2017 and April 2022 for DS with ≥ 6 months radiographic follow-up were included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale (VAS), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System at preoperative, early postoperative (< 6 months), and late postoperative (≥ 6 months) time points. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for PROMs was also evaluated. Radiographic parameters included PI, LL, pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Patients were categorized into balanced and unbalanced groups based on preoperative PI-LL mismatch according to age-adjusted alignment goals. Changes in radiographic parameters and PROMs were evaluated. Eighty patients were included (L4-5 82.5%, grade I spondylolisthesis 82.5%, unbalanced 58.8%). Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up were 17.0 and 8.3 months, respectively. The average preoperative PI-LL was 18.8° in the unbalanced group and -3.3° in the balanced group. Patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch had significantly worse preoperative PT (26.2° vs 16.4°, p < 0.001) and SVA (53.2 vs 9.0 mm, p = 0.001) compared with balanced patients. Patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch also showed significantly worse PI-LL (16.0° vs 0.54°, p < 0.001), PT (25.9° vs 18.7°, p < 0.001), and SVA (49.4 vs 22.8 mm, p = 0.013) at long-term follow-up. No significant radiographic improvement was observed among unbalanced patients. All patients demonstrated significant improvements in all PROMs (p < 0.05) except for SF-12 mental component score. Achievement of MCID for VAS back score was significantly greater among patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch (85.7% vs 65.5%, p = 0.045). Although 1-level MI-TLIF did not restore sagittal alignment in patients with preoperative PI-LL mismatch, patients presenting with DS can expect significant improvement in PROMs following 1-level MI-TLIF regardless of preoperative alignment or extent of correction. Thus, attaining good clinical outcomes in patients with mild sagittal imbalance may not require addressing imbalance directly.

Long-Term Orbito-ocular Outcomes Following LeFort III and Monobloc Distraction Osteogenesis in Patients with Syndromic Craniosynostosis.

Exorbitism in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis is often managed by LeFort III (LF3) or Monobloc (MB) distraction osteogenesis (DO). This study compared short- and long-term orbital craniometrics after LF3DO/MBDO and related these findings to symptom relief. Patients undergoing LF3DO or MBDO from 2000-2021 with pre- and postoperative imaging were included. Postoperative CTs were categorized as early (<1 year) or late (>1 year), and age-matched control CTs were compared to late postoperative scans. Superior/inferior orbital rim position, relative globe position, and orbital volume were analyzed. Symptoms were assessed by a patient-reported outcome (PRO) analysis. Thirty-four patients (16 LF3DO, 18 MBDO) were matched by age at surgery, sex, syndrome, and age at imaging. Time to late CT was 6.2 years (LF3DO) and 7.5 years (MBDO). Between early and late postoperative time points, LF3DO patients experienced no change in inferior rim position. MBDO patients experienced a decrease in inferior orbital rim position of 4.7mm (p=0.005), but superior orbital rim distance remained stable. Comparison of late scans and age-matched controls revealed no difference in inferior or superior orbital rim position in LF3DO patients, but the superior orbital rim distance was longer in MBDO patients (p=0.015). PRO response rate was 76% with a median follow up of 13.7 years. Most (81%) symptomatic patients improved, 19% remained symptomatic, and no patients worsened. LF3DO and MBDO achieved stable orbital craniometric changes, with improved stability at the inferior orbital rim after LF3DO. Craniometric changes were associated with long-term exorbitism symptom relief.

Improvement in predominant back pain following minimally invasive decompression for spinal stenosis.

The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients with predominant back pain (pBP) undergoing minimally invasive decompression surgery compared with patients with nonpredominant back pain (npBP). This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presenting complaint: 1) pBP, defined as visual analog scale (VAS) back pain score > VAS leg pain score; and 2) npBP. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared at the early (< 6 months) and late (≥ 6 months) postoperative time points. Outcomes measures were: 1) PROMs (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], VAS back and leg pain scores, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Physical Component Score [SF-12 PCS], and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function [PROMIS PF]), and 2) minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rate and time. For the late MCID achievement point, a second analysis was conducted restricting VAS back and leg pain scores only to patients with preoperative scores ≥ 5. Three hundred ninety patients were included (126 with pBP and 264 with npBP). There were no differences in patient demographics and operated levels. There were no differences in preoperative ODI, SF-12 PCS, and PROMIS PF scores. The pBP cohort had a significantly greater preoperative VAS back pain score than the npBP cohort, whereas the npBP cohort had a significantly greater preoperative VAS leg pain score than the pBP cohort. There were no differences in the absolute values or changes in ODI, VAS back pain, SF-12 PCS, and PROMIS PF scores at any time point. There was a significant difference in the early VAS leg pain scores (greater in npBP) that disappeared by the late postoperative time point. There was no difference in the MCID achievement rate in the ODI, SF-12 PCS, or PROMIS PF scores. By the late postoperative time point, 51.2% and 55.3% achieved an MCID on the ODI, 58.1% and 62.7% on the SF-12 PCS, 60% and 67.6% on the PROMIS PF, 81.1% and 73.2% on VAS back pain scores for those with preoperative scores ≥ 5, and 72% and 83.6% on VAS leg pain scores for those with preoperative scores ≥ 5 for the pBP and npBP cohorts, respectively. Additionally, there were no differences in time to MCID achievement for any PROMs. The pBP and npBP cohorts showed similar improvement in PROMs and MCID achievement rates. This result shows that minimally invasive laminectomy is equally effective for patients presenting with pBP or npBP.

Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy Learning Curve: A CuSum Analysis.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. To describe the learning curve for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and demonstrate its efficacy in treating lumbar disc herniation. The learning curve for PTED has not yet been standardized in the literature. Consecutive patients who underwent lumbar PTED by a single surgeon between December 2020 and 2022 were included. Cumulative sum analysis was applied to operative and fluoroscopy time to assess the learning curve. Inflection points were used to divide cases into early and late phases. The 2 phases were analyzed for differences in operative and fluoroscopy time, length of stay, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Patient characteristics and operative levels were also compared. PROMs entailed the Oswestry Disability Index, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, Visual Analog Scale Back/Leg, and 12-item Short Form Survey at preoperative, early postoperative (<6mo), and late postoperative (≥6mo) time points. PROMs between PTED cases and a comparable cohort of tubular microdiscectomy cases, performed by the same surgeon, were compared. Fifty-five patients were included. Cumulative sum analysis indicated that both operative and fluoroscopy time diminished rapidly after case 31, suggesting a learning curve of 31 cases (early phase: n = 31; late phase: n = 24). Late-phase cases exhibited significantly lower operative times (85.7 vs . 62.2min, P = 0.001) and fluoroscopy times (131.0 vs . 97.2 s, P = 0.001) compared with the early-phase cases. Both early and late-phase cases showed significant improvement in all PROMs. There were no differences in PROMs between the patients who underwent PTED and tubular microdiscectomy. The PTED learning curve was found to be 31 cases and did not impact PROMs or complication rates. Although this learning curve reflects the experiences of a single surgeon and may not be broadly applicable, PTED can serve as an effective modality for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

Practical answers to frequently asked questions in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSurgical counseling enables shared decision-making (SDM) by improving patients’ understanding. PURPOSETo provide answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLEPatients who underwent primary tubular minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery in form of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF), decompression alone, or microdiscectomy and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES(1) Surgical (radiation exposure and intraoperative complications) (2)Immediate postoperative (length of stay [LOS] and complications) (3) Clinical outcomes (Visual Analog Scale- back and leg, VAS; Oswestry Disability Index, ODI; 12-Item Short Form Survey Physical Component Score, SF-12 PCS; Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, PROMIS PF; Global Rating Change, GRC; return to activities; complications/reoperations) METHODSThe outcome measures were analyzed to provide answers to ten FAQs that were compiled based on the authors’ experience and a review of literature. Changes in VAS back, VAS leg, ODI, and SF-12 PCS from preoperative values to the early (<6 months) and late (>6 months) postoperative time points were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. % of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for these patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at the two time points was evaluated. Changes in PROs from preoperative values too early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months) postoperative time points were analyzed within each of the three groups. Percentage of patients achieving MCID was also evaluated. RESULTSThree hundred sixty-six patients (104 TLIF, 147 decompression, 115 microdiscectomy) were included. The following FAQs were answered: (1) Will my back pain improve? Most patients report improvement by >50%. About 60% of TLIF, decompression, and microdiscectomy patients achieved MCID at ≥6 months. (2) Will my leg pain improve? Most patients report improvement by >50%. 56% of TLIF, 67% of decompression, and 70% of microdiscectomy patients achieved MCID at ≥6 months. (3) Will my activity level improve? Most patients report significant improvement. Sixty-six percent of TLIF, 55% of decompression, and 75% of microdiscectomy patients achieved MCID for SF-12 PCS. (4) Is there a chance I will get worse? Six percent after TLIF, 14% after decompression, and 5% after microdiscectomy. (5) Will I receive a significant amount of radiation? The radiation exposure is likely to be acceptable and nearly insignificant in terms of radiation-related risks. (6) What is the likelihood that I will have a complication? 17.3% (15.4% minor, 1.9% major) for TLIF, 10% (9.3% minor and 0.7% major) for decompression, and 1.7% (all minor) for microdiscectomy (7) Will I need another surgery? Six percent after TLIF, 16.3% after decompression, 13% after microdiscectomy. (8) How long will I stay in the hospital? Most patients get discharged on postoperative day one after TLIF and on the same day after decompression and microdiscectomy. (9) When will I be able to return to work? >80% of patients return to work (average: 25 days after TLIF, 14 days after decompression, 11 days after microdiscectomy). (10) Will I be able to drive again? >90% of patients return to driving (average: 22 days after TLIF, 11 days after decompression, 14 days after microdiscectomy). CONCLUSIONSThese concise answers to the FAQs in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery can be used by physicians as a reference to enable patient education.

Long-Term Evolution of the Hip and Proximal Femur after Hip Reconstruction in Non-Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Radiographic Review.

Background: Hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) has a higher prevalence in non-ambulatory children. Progression can lead to pain, pelvic obliquity and difficulty with sitting. This can be addressed with hip reconstruction. Our study aims to report the long-term radiological outcomes after hip reconstruction, in particular the evolution of femoral head deformity. Methods: A total of 58 hips of non-ambulatory children with CP were evaluated retrospectively using pre-operative, early (median 120 days) and late post-operative (median 8.6 years) anteroposterior standardised radiographs. All the hips were treated with femoral shortening varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO), pelvic osteotomy and an open reduction, if indicated. The radiographical indices measured included the migration percentage (MP), sharp angle, acetabular index, centre-edge angle, neck shaft angle, head shaft angle, pelvic obliquity, femoral head sphericity, femoral head deformity (FHD) and growth plate orientation. Results: Improvements in hip congruency and morphology were evident after reconstructive hip surgery. These were maintained at the late post-operative time point. Median MP improved from 56% (IQR 46–85%) to 0% (IQR 0–15%) at early follow-up. This increased to 12% (IQR 0–20%) at late follow-up. Pre-operatively, FHDs of 14 hips (24%) were classified as grade A (spherical femoral head). This increased to 22 hips (38%) at early follow-up and increased further to 44 hips (76%) at late follow-up. Conclusions: Our study shows that hip reconstruction reduces hip displacement in the long term, indicated by decreased post-operative MP maintained at long-term follow-up. Although non-ambulatory children lack weight-bearing forces promoting bone remodelling, improved femoral head morphology after surgery alters the forces between the acetabulum and the femoral head. Mild femoral head deformity (grades A and B) remained stable and even improved after surgery, postulated to be due to severe osteoporosis allowing remodelling.

Perceval Sutureless Bioprosthesis for Degenerative Aortic Valve Stenosis: Initial Experience With 67 Patients.

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the characteristics (positive and negative) of Perceval S valve in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis. The study included 67 patients operated on at our institution and a mean follow-up period of 18 months. From June 2016 to November 2019, 209 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis. Of these, 67 patients were included in the study based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria set before the study began. Their data were recorded during their hospital stay (preoperative, intraoperative, and early and late postoperative time). Fifty-four patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (group I) with a Perceval S prosthesis, and 13 patients had combined aortic valve replacement procedures and CABG procedures (group II). Patients were implanted with the following prosthesis sizes: S (N = 12), M (N = 18), L (N = 28), or XL (N = 9). The Perceval S valve successfully was implanted in 67 (91.8%) patients (in 6 patients, the preoperative transthoracic echocardiographic data did not coincide with intraoperative TEE and surgical measurement of the size of the annulus in the suture). Surgical approaches in patients were medial sternotomy (N = 48), mini sternotomy (N = 15), and thoracotomy through the second intercostal space to the right (N = 4). The mean clamping time of the aorta and CPB length for isolated cases was 54 and 82 minutes, respectively, and 96 and 120 minutes for combined procedures. Four (5.9%) patients died within 30 days. Early postoperative results showed that the Perceval S valve was safe. Further follow up is required to evaluate the long-term duration of patients with this bioprosthesis.

Long-term upper extremity performance in children with cerebral palsy following selective dorsal rhizotomy.

In children with spastic cerebral palsy, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is conducted to improve lower limb spasticity. Improvements in upper extremity function have also been noted in early follow-up. The purpose of this study was to determine if upper extremity improvements are sustained in the long term. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on children who underwent SDR was conducted. Quality of Upper Extremities Skill Test (QUEST) scores for dissociated movement, grasp and total scores were compared using repeated measures ANOVA for individual patients at three time points: preoperatively, early post-operatively (≤ 2 years) and late post-operatively (9+ years). Out of 200+ patients having SDR, 32 had QUEST assessment at all three time points. Significant improvements in QUEST dissociated movement (F = 3.665, p = 0.045), grasp (F = 7.995, p = 0.001) and total scores (F = 9.471, p = 0.001) were found. Pairwise comparisons were significant from pre-operative to early post-operative times for all QUEST scores (p = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001), and this was maintained at late post-operative assessment for grasp and total scores (p = 0.02, p = 0.02). There was no significant change in scores between early and late post-operative assessment time points. Early improvements in upper extremity QUEST total scores are sustained in the long term following SDR.

Longitudinal Analysis of Quality-of-Life Recovery After Gastrectomy for Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with quality-of-life recovery after gastrectomy. Patients anticipated to undergo gastric cancer resection were invited to complete the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30 and STO22 surveys in the preoperative setting and at 0-1.5months (early), > 1.5-6months (intermediate), and > 6-18months (late) following resection. Quality-of-life recovery was measured as paired differences between pre- and postoperative results. Multivariable linear regression identified factors associated with preoperative quality of life and degree of change following resection. Across 393 participants, response rates at the intermediate and late postoperative time points were 58% (n = 228) and 71% (n = 277), respectively. Relative to baseline, median global health scale decreased in the early (- 15.1 pts, p < 0.001) and intermediate (- 3.6 pts, p = 0.02) time points, but recovered by the late time point (+ 1.2 pts, p = 0.411). Relative to distal/subtotal gastrectomy, proximal/total gastrectomy was associated with worse recovery in both the early and late time points. Surgical complications were associated with worse early recovery. Patients who presented with locally advanced tumors (T3-T4) had lower preoperative quality-of-life scores, and more readily recovered to baseline after surgery. A minimally invasive approach was not associated with postoperative recovery. Most patients recover to baseline within 1year following major gastrectomy, and recovery is easier with more limited resections. Patients with locally advanced tumors tend to have poorer baseline quality of life, which may improve following resection.

MUCOCELE ASSOCIATED TO SIALOLITHIASIS: AN UNCOMMON PRESENTATION

Mucoceles are common injuries in the oral medicine clinic, occurring mainly in young individuals, and rarely present with atypical development. Sialolithiasis in minor salivary gland are fairly uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature. A 73-year-old male patient with leukoderma presented with complaint of "small ball on the cheek" for 4 years, with episodes of remission and exacerbation. The intra oral examination showed a nodular lesion, sessile, with approximately 2 cm, with slightly fibrosis consistency, smooth surface, coloring slightly erythematous, and sensitive to touch. With DD mucocele, the excisional biopsy was performed. The anatomopathological examination showed a cystic cavity containing mucus, coated with mixed inflammatory process, and adjacent salivary gland with ductal ectasia and presence of intra-ductal calcification. The patient progressed uneventfully in the immediate and late postoperative time. Reasons of presentation: Patient’s age (73 years), time of evolution for 4 years, and the association with intraductal sialolithiasis. Mucoceles are common injuries in the oral medicine clinic, occurring mainly in young individuals, and rarely present with atypical development. Sialolithiasis in minor salivary gland are fairly uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature. A 73-year-old male patient with leukoderma presented with complaint of "small ball on the cheek" for 4 years, with episodes of remission and exacerbation. The intra oral examination showed a nodular lesion, sessile, with approximately 2 cm, with slightly fibrosis consistency, smooth surface, coloring slightly erythematous, and sensitive to touch. With DD mucocele, the excisional biopsy was performed. The anatomopathological examination showed a cystic cavity containing mucus, coated with mixed inflammatory process, and adjacent salivary gland with ductal ectasia and presence of intra-ductal calcification. The patient progressed uneventfully in the immediate and late postoperative time. Reasons of presentation: Patient’s age (73 years), time of evolution for 4 years, and the association with intraductal sialolithiasis.

Bone volume change following vascularized free bone flap reconstruction of the mandible

BackgroundBone volume changes following vascularized bone flaps and possible confounding factors over time are described in the literature with some controversy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone volume behavior of two frequently used free flaps. Materials and methodsComputed tomography (CT) scans were examined with regard to bone volume using the software program ITK-SNAP for all patients who required mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF, conventionally vs assisted by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)) or iliac crest flap (DCIA) following mandibular resection because of benign or malign processes, between August 2010 and August 2015. Clinical data, complication rates, and CT scans were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, complication rates (microvascular revision, flap loss, postoperative fistula or dehiscence, and postoperative bone exposure) were compared within early (≤30 days), late (31st–100th day), and overall (≤100th day) postoperative time intervals. Results113 cases, comprizing 89 FFF and 24 DCIA cases, were included. FFF showed superior bone volume behavior over the DCIA flap. Multivariable regression models assessed the relationships between the following and bone volume behavior: interval between operation and CT scan (p < 0.683), age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.006), BMI (p = 0.400), adjuvant radiation therapy (p = 0.334), reconstruction with DCIA flap (p < 0.0001), number of segments (p = 0.02), and incidence of dental implant insertion (p = 0.45). ConclusionsThe bone volume of FFFs remains stable. DCIA flaps show a higher bone volume reduction, but the postoperative course might be associated with fewer complications. Time interval between operation and CT scan, age, gender, reconstruction with DCIA flap, and number of fibula segments contributed significantly to bone volume behavior.

The 3-60 criteria challenge established predictors of postoperative mortality and enable timely therapeutic intervention after liver resection.

To date, definitions of liver dysfunction (LD) after hepatic resection rely on late postoperative time points. Further, the used parameters are markedly influenced by perioperative management. Thus, we aimed to establish a very early postoperative score to predict postoperative mortality. Liver related parameters were evaluated after liver resection in a retrospective evaluation cohort of 228 colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis (mCRC) and subsequent validation in a prospective set of 482 consecutive patients from 4 independent institutions undergoing hepatic resection was performed. C-reactive protein (CRP, AUC =0.739, P<0.001) and antithrombinIII-activity (ATIII, AUC =0.844, P<0.001) on the first postoperative day (POD) were found to be elevated in patients with LD. Cut-off values for CRP at 3 mg/dL and for ATIII at 60% significantly identified high-risk patients for postoperative LD and mortality (P<0.001) and thus defined the 3-60 criteria on POD1. The 3-60 criteria showed superior sensitivity and specificity compared to established criteria for LD [3-60 criteria: total positive patients: 26 patients (70% mortality detected), odds ratio (OR): 48.8; International Study Group for Liver Surgery: total positive patients: 43 (70% mortality detected), OR: 23.3; Peak7: total positive patients: 9 (30% mortality detected), OR: 27.8; 50-50: total positive patients: 9 (30% mortality detected), OR: 27.8]. These results could be validated in a multi-center analysis and ultimately the 3-60 criteria remained an independent predictor of postoperative mortality upon multivariable analysis. The 3-60 criteria on POD1 predict postoperative LD and mortality early after liver resection with a comparable or better accuracy than established criteria, allowing for immediate identification of high-risk patients.

Postcholecystectomy bile duct injuries: diagnostics and surgical treatment

Introduction: Bile duct injuries (BDIs) still occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We would like to present our 15 years' experience in the management of BDIs, evaluate our results of treatment. Methods: Medical records of 67 patients who have experienced BDIs after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were retrospectively reviewed. All injures were classified according to European Association for Endoscopic Surgery ATOM (anatomic, time of detection, mechanism) classification and investigated by manifestation of the injury, surgical repair technique, early and late complications. Results: In 28 (41,8 %) patients the surgical treatment of BDI was completed with ERCP and stenting, in 14 (20, 1%) cases defect of bile duct was closed by suture, end-to-end ductal anastomosis was performed for 6 (13,4%) patients and hepaticojejunostomy in 19 (28,3%) patients. Morbidity and mortality after surgical repair of bile duct injury according to Clavien Dindo classification was: I - 2 (3%), II - 1 (1,5%), III - 61 (91%) and mortality - V - 4 (6%). We followed up 58 patients (92.1%) of 63. Mean follow-up duration was 25,7±36,7 months. In late postoperative time 23 (39,7%) patients developed bile duct strictures. Therefore, 13 (56,5%) patients underwent restenting or balloon dilatation and 10 (43,5%) patients underwent hepaticojejunostomy. Conclusions: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the main diagnostic tool for suspected injuries. Stenting with a covered self-expanding metal stent is a promising method for the patients with partial divisions or strictures of bile ducts. Both hepaticojejunostomy and end-to-end anastomosis showed good results while treating complete divisions of ducts.

Significance of Early Postoperative Eyelid Position on Late Postoperative Result in Mueller's Muscle Conjunctival Resection and External Levator Advancement Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether advancement of the levator aponeurosis in external levator resection surgery or Mueller's muscle and conjunctiva in Mueller's muscle conjunctival resection (MMCR) surgery has a differential effect on variation in eyelid position during the postoperative period. In this retrospective observational cohort study, 2 groups of patients were defined. The first underwent MMCR surgery without tarsectomy by surgeon 1. The second underwent external levator resection without dissection posterior to the levator aponeurosis by surgeon 2. Marginal reflex distance (MRD1) was calculated based on digital photographs at baseline, 1 week postoperatively and at 3-month follow up. The primary outcome measure was change in MRD1 over time. The secondary outcome was defined as the proportion of patients with minimal early postoperative change (change of MRD1 less than 0.5 mm at 1 week postoperatively). Repeated measures analysis of variance, t test, and chi-square analyses were performed. Of the 114 eyes in the sample, there were 68 in the MMCR group and 46 in the external levator resection group. A significant interaction between group and time was noted (p < 0.05), indicating change in MRD1 over time was different between the groups. Bonferroni corrected multiple comparisons yielded significant differences between each time point for MMCR surgery (p < 0.01). No difference in MRD1 was noted for the external levator resection group from the early to late postoperative visit. Comparing each time point across groups revealed significantly lower MRD1 for the MMCR group at the early postoperative visit (p < 0.01). Preoperative and late postoperative MRD1 did not significantly differ between the groups. Regarding the secondary outcome, patients undergoing MMCR surgery were 3.7× as likely to demonstrate <0.5 mm of change in MRD1 at week 1 (p < 0.05). When considering the 39.7% (n = 27) MMCR patients in this category, 59.3% (n = 16) went on to show an MRD1 increase >1 mm from the early postoperative to the late postoperative time points. Both external levator resection and MMCR can effectively elevate the eyelid in cases of primary involutional ptosis, and have similar late postoperative results. The authors found that MMCR cases undergo greater change between the early and late postoperative period, suggesting the process of eyelid elevation after MMCR may be dynamic, involving postoperative physiologic modification.

Plasma levels of the proangiogenic protein CXCL16 remains elevated for 1\xa0month after minimally invasive colorectal cancer resection

BackgroundInflammation-induced endothelial precursor cell recruitment and angiogenesis are thought to be associated with CXCL16-CXCR6 pair activity. This study’s main purpose was to determine plasma CXCL16 levels after minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR) for colorectal cancer (CRC); an adjunct study assessed wound fluid (WF) and plasma CXCL16 levels in a separate group of CRC patients.MethodsCRC patients who had MICR and for whom plasma was available in a tissue bank were eligible. Plasma samples were collected preoperatively from all patients. Samples were also collected on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 and at various late postoperative time points (POD 7–34). In a separate study, blood and intra-abdominal wound fluid (WF) samples were collected from CRC MICR patients (pts). Samples were stored at − 80 °C. CXCL16 levels were determined via ELISA. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann and Whitney tests were used for analysis.ResultsMain study: 86 CRC pts. were included. The mean preoperative plasma CXCL16 level was 2.36 ± 0.57 ng/ml. Elevated mean plasma levels (p < 0.0001 × first 4 time points) were noted on POD 1 (2.82 ± 0.81, n = 86), POD 3 (3.12 ± 0.77, n = 82), POD 7–13 (3.28 ± 0.88, n = 64), POD 14–20 (3.03 ± 0.62, n = 24), POD 21–27 (3.06 ± 0.67, n = 20, p = 0.0003), and POD 28–34 (3.17 ± 0.43, n = 11, p = 0.001) vs. preop levels. WF study: In the adjunct study, plasma and WF CXCL16 levels were determined for 23 CRC MICR pts. WF levels at all time points were significantly elevated over plasma levels.ConclusionPlasma CXCL16 levels were elevated for 4 weeks after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer. Also, WF CXCL16 levels were 3–10 times greater than the corresponding plasma concentrations. The source of the late plasma elevations may be the healing wound. Increased plasma CXCL16 levels may promote tumor angiogenesis in the first month after MICR.

LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy versus excisional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy for all symptomatic hemorrhoids

Background: Hemorrhoidectomy by LigaSure electrosurgical unit seems to be very effective treatment and results in better surgical outcomes when compared with the conventional excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and the surgical outcomes of LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy with that of conventional diathermy excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients characteristics were comparable in both groups. Ninety six patients with symptomatic mainly grade III and IV piles were randomized for either conventional excisional hemorrhoidectomy (48 patients) or to LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy (48 patients) for the period from April 2014 to July 2016. The surgical outcomes of both procedures including the operative time, intra-operative blood loss, postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, early and late postoperative complications, wound healing, recovery time and return to work, recurrence and patient satisfaction were recorded, compared and evaluated. Results: The mean operative time and amount of intra-operative blood loss were significantly lower in LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy group. Postoperative pain and need for parentral analgesia were comparable in the first 24 -48 hours postoperatively, but they were significantly lower in LigaSure group after the second postoperative day. Faster wound healing and early return to work were obviously noted among patient subjected to LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. Early postoperative complications were lower in LigaSure group while late complications were comparable in both groups. Lastly, LigaSure group showed high satisfaction rate compared to conventional hexcisional hemorrhoidectomy group. Conclusion: LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy is superior and more advantageous in term of operative time, blood loss, post-operative complications, faster wound healing and return to work. It is simple, feasible and easy to learn.

TREATMENT OF RENAL STONES WITH PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY IMPROVES RENAL FUNCTIONS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on kidney functions in stage III or higher chronic renal failure patients using glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine level. Methods: Between 2010 and 2014, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was applied to patients who had glomerular filtration rate below 60 mL/min/1.73m�. Preoperative demographic features, stone burden, and localization, urine analysis and microbial test, serum creatinine level, open urinary system graphy, and spiral non-enhanced computerized tomography were obtained. Intraoperative renal unit counts, anesthesia and surgery time, and X-ray exposure time were calculated. Early and late postoperative complications, hospitalization time, stone-free rate, and glomerular function rate were evaluated, retrospectively. Results: Preoperatively, mean creatinine value was 2.42 � 0.76 mg/dL, mean glomerular filtration rate was 45.3 � 3 mL/min/1.73 m�, the mean stone burden was 393 � 40 mm�, mean intervention time was 79 � 34 min, and 12 patients were stone free (70.5%). The decrease of hemoglobin 1.6 g/dL and transfusion was done only two patients (11.8%) due to excessive bleeding. In early and long-term follow-up, mean creatinine values and glomerular filtration rate were 1.98 � 0.72 mg/dL, 2.16 � 0.78 mL/dL and 54.1 � 14 mL/min/1.73 m�, 51.8 � 15 mL/min/1.73 m�, respectively. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative creatinine and glomerular filtration rates revealed a significant decrease in creatinine level and increase in glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy that eliminates urinary obstruction is safely used in the treatment of kidney stones with minimal damage on kidney functions. Stage III or higher renal failure patients who have obstructive kidney stones or recurrent urinary tract infections can effectively be treated, and this may help patients to prevent progression to end-stage renal failure.

Imaging of Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are electromechanical pumps that aid the failing heart and are essential option in the modern management of heart failure that may serve as a bridge to transplantation and provide destination therapy or short-term recovery for cardiogenic shock. As a complement to echocardiography, computed tomography (and to a lesser extent radiography or nuclear scintigraphy) plays an essential role in the evaluation of LVAD complications in both the perioperative and late post-operative time periods. These complications and their imaging appearances are reviewed in this article.

Preoperative predictors of renal function decline after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

To model renal function after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). To identify predictors of renal function decline after surgery, thereby allowing the identification of patients likely to be ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting. We retrospectively identified 374 patients treated with RNU for UTUC at three centres between 1995 and 2010. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation before RNU and at early (1-5 months after RNU) and late (>5 months) time points after RNU. Only patients deemed eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy before RNU (preoperative glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ) were included. Multivariable analysis identified the preoperative predictors of eGFR after RNU at early postoperative and late postoperative time points. A total of 163 patients had an eligible early post-RNU eGFR measurement and 172 had an eligible late eGFR measurement. The median eGFR declined by 32% and did not show a significant trend toward recovery over time (P = 0.4). On multivariable analysis preoperative eGFR and patient age were significantly associated with early and late postoperative eGFR, while Charlson comorbidity index score was significantly associated with late postoperative eGFR alone. In patients with normal preoperative eGFR (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ), renal function decreases by one-third after RNU and does not show evidence of recovery over time. Elderly patients and those with pre-RNU eGFR closer to 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (lower eGFR in the present cohort) are more likely to be ineligible for adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens because of renal function loss after RNU.

Depressive Symptoms After CABG Surgery

After participating in this educational activity, the reader should be better able to measure the risk of depression before and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; examine the course of depression after CABG; and apply the results of the study to the treatment of patients. Depression is highly comorbid with coronary artery disease. Clinicians face the question of whether patients' depressive symptoms will improve after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the course of depressive symptoms after CABG. EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched for studies assessing depression before and after CABG. Meta-analyses were performed for depression at early (1-2 weeks), recovery (>2 weeks to 2 months), mid (>2 months to 6 months), and late (>6 months) postoperative time points. Heterogeneity and publication bias were analyzed. Thirty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Twelve reported dichotomous outcomes; 18 reported continuous outcomes; and 9 reported both. Risk of depression was increased early (relative risk [RR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.61). There was a significantly decreased risk of depression at recovery (RR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90), mid (RR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58-0.70), and late (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58-0.79) time points without heterogeneity. All studies reporting continuous depression scales had significant heterogeneity. The risk of depression decreased post-CABG when depression was measured dichotomously. While depression improves overall and remits for some patients after CABG, the majority of patients will not experience remission of depression. Preoperative and postoperative depression monitoring is important.