Cuff Length Research Articles

Long head of biceps tendon augmentation in rotator cuff repair enhances tendon healing, shoulder function and patient-reported outcomes one-year post-surgery.

The aim is to determine the effect on healing and functionality of patients after 1 year of biceps augmentation of a rotator cuff repair (RCR) compared to RCR plus long head of the biceps (LHB) tenotomy. In addition, to analyse the main factors involved in the recovery after the surgery. A prospective, comparative, non-randomized study (Level of Evidence III) was conducted. Patients with repairable rotator cuff tears were allocated to either the control group, with a double row transosseous equivalent RCR with LHB tenotomy, or the RCR+augmentation with LHB group. Patients were evaluated for radiological (MRI), clinical (cuff size, Patte and Goutallier scales) and functional variables (Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] scales) before the intervention. At 1-year follow-up cuff healing was confirmed through MRI and functional evaluation with Constant, ASES, simple shoulder test [SST] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scales. Seventy-seven patients underwent control or RCR+augmentation with LHB, there were no preoperative differences between the groups. After 1 year of the surgery, re-rupture occurred in 38.5% and 16% of the patients in control and RCR+augmentation with LHB groups, respectively (p = .026). Total functionality was higher (p < .05) in RCR+augmentation with LHB than in the control group: Constant, SST and ASES scales. Among the explored factors involved in healing, re-rupture occurred in 100% of the cases with high fatty degeneration. Besides, higher initial functionality (Constant scale) and RCR+augmentation with LHB increased the odds of healing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12 [1.04-1.21]; OR = 5 [1, 61], respectively), while higher cuff length had a detrimental effect (OR = 0.92 [0.85-0.99]). RCR+augmentation with LHB achieves a higher healing percentage and a better functional evolution than RCR+LHB tenotomy, 1 year after cuff repair. Fatty degeneration, cuff length and initial functionality are the main factors involved in cuff healing. Level III randomized controlled trial.

Redo IPAA for long rectal cuff syndrome after ileoanal pouch for inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: When constructing an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), the rectal cuff should ideally be 1-2cm long to avoid subsequent complications. We identified patients from our IBD center who underwent redo IPAA for a long rectal cuff. Long rectal cuff syndrome (LRCS) was defined as a symptomatic rectal cuff ≥ 4cm. Forty patients met the inclusion criteria: 42.5% female, median age at redo surgery 42.5years. The presentation was ulcerative proctitis in 77.5% of the cases and outlet obstruction in 22.5%. The index pouch was laparoscopically performed in 18 patients (45%). The median rectal cuff length was 6cm. The pouch was repaired in 16 (40%) cases, whereas 24 (60%) required the creation of a neo-pouch. At the final pathology, the rectal cuff showed chronic active colitis in 38 (90%) cases. After a median follow-up of 34.5 (IQR 12-109) months, pouch failure occurred in 9 (22.5%) cases. The pouch survival rate was 78% at 3years. Data on the quality of life were available for 11 (27.5%) patients at a median of 75months after redo surgery. The median QoL score (0-1) was 0.7 (0.4-0.9). LRCS, a potentially avoidable complication, presents uniformly with symptoms of ulcerative proctitis or stricture. Redo IPAA was restorative for the majority.

Rotator Cuff Tendon Dimensional Variability, Novel Patient-Specific Measurement Method—Morphological Measurement for Rotator Cuff Tendon

Introduction: The shoulder rotator cuff (RC) is crucial to shoulder function and involvement in shoulder pathology. RC tears have been extensively studied, and several classifications have been devised to quantify their magnitude. Various RC measurement techniques were introduced previously, utilizing cadaveric specimens, X-rays, CT scans, and MRI with different results published regarding humeral heads’ different plane diameters and the correlation to age, gender, and height. There are very few studies measuring RC length in the general population. Purpose: We aimed to assess the geometrical relation between rotator cuff tendon length and humeral head sagittal and axial diameters. Methods: A total of 100 shoulder MRI scans of labral tear-suspected patients were reviewed, and the geometrical parameters of the rotator cuff length and proximal humerus sagittal and axial diameters were measured. Results: The healthy population has wide variability in humeral diameter and rotator cuff length. We found a high correlation between humeral head sagittal and axial plane diameters and the rotator cuff tendon dimension. The orthogonal plane diameters disagree with the humeral head being round but rather spheric. The rotator cuff length changes according to the patient’s gender and height. Conclusion: This is a novel method for rotator cuff measurement, description, and classification according to the percentage of tear instead of length (cm). This method is more clinically oriented and relevant than most other previous methods.

Towards continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurements-interpretation of the vasculature response to cuff inflation.

Blood pressure (BP) surrogates, such as pulse transit time (PTT) or pulse arrival time (PAT), have been intensively explored with the goal of achieving cuffless, continuous, and accurate BP inference. In order to estimate BP, a one-point calibration strategy between PAT and BP is typically used. Recent research focuses on advanced calibration procedures exploiting the cuff inflation process to improve calibration robustness by active and controlled modulation of peripheral PAT, as measured via plethysmograph (PPG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) combination. Such methods require a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the vasculature's response to cuff inflation; for this, a model has recently been developed to infer the PAT-BP calibration from measured cuff-induced vasculature changes. The model, while promising, is still preliminary and only partially validated; in-depth analysis and further developments are still needed. Therefore, this work aims to improve our understanding of the cuff-vasculature interaction in this model; we seek to define potential opportunities and to highlight which aspects may require further study. We compare model behaviors with clinical data samples based on a set of observable characteristics relevant for BP inference and calibration. It is found that the observed behaviors are qualitatively well represented with the current simulation model and complexity, with limitations regarding the prediction of the onset of the distal arm dynamics and behavior changes at high cuff pressures. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of the model's parameter space is conducted to show the factors that influence the characteristics of its observable outputs. It was revealed that easily controllable experimental variables, such as lateral cuff length and inflation rate, have a significant impact on cuff-induced vasculature changes. An interesting dependency between systemic BP and cuff-induced distal PTT change is also found, revealing opportunities for improved methods for BP surrogate calibration. However, validation via patient data shows that this relation does not hold for all patients, indicating required model improvements to be validated in follow up studies. These results provide promising directions to improve the calibration process featuring cuff inflation towards accurate and robust non-invasive blood pressure estimation.

Pediatric Custom Tracheostomies: A Ten-Year Experience.

To describe the use of customized and custom tracheostomies at our institution, and to identify trends in patient presentation and tracheostomy design. A retrospective review was conducted for patients at our institution for whom a customized or custom tracheostomy tube was ordered between January 2011 and July 2021. Customized tracheostomy tubes allow for a small selection of alterations to trach design, such as cuff length and flange type. Custom tracheostomies have a unique design created by tracheostomy tube engineers in collaboration with the clinical provider, and are built specifically for a single patient. A total of 235 patients were included, of whom 220 (93%) received customized tracheostomies and 15 custom (7%). The most common indications for customized tracheostomy were tracheal or stomal breakdown on a standard tracheostomy (n = 73, 33%) and ventilation difficulties (n = 61, 27%). The most frequent customization was shaft length (n = 126, 57%). The most common indication for custom tracheostomies was a persistent air leak on a standard or customized trach (n = 9) and the most frequent designs were custom cuffs (n = 8), flanges (n = 4), and anteriorly curved shafts (n = 4). Patients treated with a customized tracheostomy had a 5-year overall survival of 75.3%, compared to 51.4% for custom. These are the first cohorts of pediatric patients with customized and custom tracheostomies to be described. Modifications to tracheostomies, in particular shaft length and cuff design, can address common complications of extended tracheostomy, and may help improve ventilation in the most challenging cases. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:452-458, 2024.

LONG RECTAL CUFF SYNDROME AFTER ILEOANAL POUCH FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract BACKGROUND Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) removes the entire rectum to the anal canal, but is technically challenging, especially with minimally invasive (MIS) approaches. Pouches are most commonly double-stapled, leaving a 1-2 cm “rectal cuff”. If the cuff is longer, patients may develop recurrent ulcerative proctitis (UP) or rectal stricture (RS) of the retained rectum. The aim of this study is to describe long rectal cuff syndrome (LRCS) and its outcomes after redo IPAA performed for long rectal cuffs. METHODS We defined LRCS as a constellation of UP or RS symptoms related to a long (≥ 4 cm) rectal cuff. We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained Pouch Registry to identify patients whose indication for redo pouch was LRCS. We report their presentation and outcomes after redo IPAA for LRCS. Figures are frequency (percentage) and median (interquartile range). RESULTS LRCS was the primary indication for redo IPAA in 40 patients (7% of the redo IPAA cases at our Center); median age at redo surgery, 42.5 (29 – 49 years); 18 (42%) were females; 36 (90%) patients were referral cases. Diagnosis at index IPAA was ulcerative colitis in 39 (97.5%), and Crohn’s in 1 (2.5%) case. The index pouch was performed MIS in 14 (35%). The median rectal cuff length was 6 (5 – 8) cm, with 13 (32.5%) patients having a cuff ≥ 8 cm. After a median of 21 (16 – 68) months, patients most commonly presented (31, 77.5%) with UP-symptoms (urge-incontinence, frequency, abdominopelvic or rectal pain) or with obstructive (9, 22.5%) symptoms (crampy abdominopelvic pain, outlet obstruction). Preoperative pouchoscopy was available in 32 (80%) cases: pouchoscopy findings included proctitis (18, 56%), rectal stricture (16, 50%), and/or dilated pouch (7, 22%). The median interval between the index pouch and redo pouch was 31 months (16 – 67.5). The pouch was disconnected and re-anastomosed to anus in 16 (40%), while excised with neo-pouch construction in 24 (60%) of cases. The anastomosis was stapled vs. handsewn 25 (62.5%) vs. 15 (27.5%). Pathologic exam revealed chronic active proctitis in 38 (90%) cases; the remained showed other pathologic changes. In terms of long-term outcomes, two (5%) patients never had their stoma closed after redo due to Crohn’s-related pouch complication, and fistulae development, respectively. After a median follow up of 34.5 (12 – 109) months, pouch failure occurred in 9 (22.5%) cases. The median interval between redo IPAA and pouch failure was 10 (4 – 34) months. Pouch survival at 3-, 5- and 10-years was 78%, 72%, and 63%. CONCLUSION Long rectal cuff syndrome is a potentially avoidable complication which presents with symptoms from either ulcerative proctitis or stricture. Redo IPAA can be offered as treatment to maintain intestinal continuity and may allow long-term pouch salvage in many cases.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early middle gastric cancer (T1a-bN0M0) is safer and more effective than distal gastrectomy: a narrative review

As a treatment option for early middle gastric cancer, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been shown to exhibit good clinical efficacy in Japan and Korea and has attracted widespread attention in China. PPG has a similar surgical safety to conventional distal gastrectomy (DG). The incidence of postoperative complications (such as dumping syndrome, bile reflux gastritis, gallstones, weight loss, and malnutrition) has been shown to be lower, while that of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was higher after PPG than after DG. However, preserving the vagus nerve, blood supply to the pylorus, and adequate antral cuff length can effectively reduce DGE after PPG. Whether or not incomplete lymphadenectomy affects tumor safety is a primary focus for concern. According to the analysis of lymph node metastasis rates in early middle gastric cancer, the metastasis rates of lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6 were low, providing a theoretical basis for performing limited lymph node dissection.

How to perform an anastomosis following a low anterior resection by transanal total mesorectal excision surgery: from top to bottom techniques.

The aim was to describe the range of possibilities and our group's clinical outcomes when performing different types of anastomosis during transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). A retrospective analysis was performed based on four taTME series from 2016 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients with rectal cancer in whom a sphincter-saving low anterior resection by taTME was performed. Four different techniques were employed for the anastomosis construction: (A) abdominal view, (B) transanal view, (C) hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis and (D) pull-through. Intra-operative and postoperative data were collected and compared. A total of 161 patients were included. Tumour height was lower in groups C and D (4 [3-5] vs. 7 [6-8] group A vs. 6 [5-7] group B, P=0.000), requiring a hand-sewn anastomosis. A transanal extraction of the specimen was more commonly performed in groups C and D (over 60% vs. 30% in groups A and B, P=0.000). The rate of temporary stoma was similar between groups A, B and C (ranging from 84% to 98%) but was significantly lower in group D (P=0.000). The overall rate of complications was similar between groups; however, group D had longer length of stay (15days vs. 5-6 in groups A, B and C, P=0.026). Every type of anastomosis construction after a taTME procedure seems to be safe and feasible and should be chosen based on surgeon's experience, tumour height and the length of the rectal cuff after the rectal transection. Colorectal surgeons should be familiar with these techniques in order to choose the one that benefits each patient the most.

Prognostic Role of the Removed Vaginal Cuff and Its Correlation with L1CAM in Low-Risk Endometrial Adenocarcinoma.

Simple SummaryIn assessing the risk factors for the recurrence of EC, the length of the vaginal cuff removed during surgery has shown discrepant results. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the excised vaginal cuff length as a prognostic factor and its correlation with the expression of L1CAM. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating this prognostic factor in such a secluded and tidy cohort. According to our results, vaginal cuff length does not seem to be an independent variable in an EC low-risk group in terms of DFS. Moreover, L1CAM seems to be associated with a higher risk of distant recurrence. A prospective randomized trial in an EC low-risk group is needed to confirm its negative prognostic role, and to determine its potential value in clinical practice to detect that subgroup of low-risk patients which is at a higher risk of recurrence, especially at distant.Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the role of the excised vaginal cuff length as a prognostic factor in terms of DFS and recurrence rate/site, in low-risk endometrial cancer (EC) patients. Moreover, we correlated the recurrence with the expression of L1CAM. Material and Methods: From March 2001 to November 2016, a retrospective data collection was conducted of women undergoing surgical treatment for low-risk EC according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO consensus guidelines. Patients were divided into three groups according to their vaginal cuff length: V0 without vaginal cuff, V1 with a vaginal cuff shorter than 1.5 cm and V2 with a vaginal cuff longer than or equal to 1.5 cm. Results: 344 patients were included in the study: 100 in the V0 group, 179 in the V1 group and 65 in the V2 group. The total recurrence rate was 6.1%: the number of patients with recurrence was 8 (8%), 10 (5.6%) and 3 (4.6%), in the V0, V1 and V2 group, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the recurrence rate among the three groups. Although the DFS was higher in the V2 group, the result was not significant. L1CAM was positive in 71.4% of recurrences and in 82% of the distant recurrences. Conclusions: The rate of recurrence in patients with EC at low risk of recurrence does not decrease as the length of the vaginal cuff removed increases. Furthermore, the size of the removed vaginal cuff does not affect either the site of recurrence or the likelihood of survival.

Outcome Analysis of Single-Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull Through in Selected Patients with Hirschsprung Disease

Background:Hirschsprung disease is a notable cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction and constipation in older children. Transanal endorectal pull through (TEPT) is a newer technique of definitive management as against staged procedures. The aim of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of the procedure in selected children with Hirschsprung disease managed by this technique with review of the literature.Materials and Methods:Medical records of 12 children who underwent single-stage TEPT in a tertiary care centre over a period of 3 years from 2015 to 2018 were reviewed and retrospectively analysed on the basis of age, investigations, intraoperative parameters, complications, functional outcome and hospital stay.Results:The median age at surgery was 9 months. Nine patients were boys. The median weight of patients was 7.5 kg. The transition zone was observed at the level of the rectosigmoid in eight patients (66.6%) and sigmoid colon in four patients (33.3%). The mean length of muscle cuff was 3 cm, the mean length of resected bowel was 25 cm, the median operative time was 105 min and the mean hospital stay was 8 days. Perianal excoriation (n = 2) and enterocolitis (n = 1) were complications encountered postoperatively; however, no patient had cuff abscess, anastomotic leak or stricture. Stool frequency initially at 2 weeks was average of six to ten times a day, which gradually reduced to two to three times a day by 3 months postoperatively. None of the patients had faecal soiling or constipation on follow-up.Conclusion:Single-stage transanal endorectal pull through is an effective technique in the management of Hirschsprung disease with minimal complications.

A simulation study to assess fluid leakage through the glove-gown interface in isolation settings

Isolation gowns are recommended to protect healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors from transfer of microorganisms and body fluids in patient isolation situations. Standards provide limited information about barrier performance of isolation gowns for possible exposure scenarios. One of the most vulnerable areas of the personal protective equipment ensemble is considered the glove-gown interface. However, current isolation gown classification standards do not consider the interface regions of the personal protective equipment system while assessing the level of protection. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the fluid leakage through the glove-gown interface by simulating exposures and healthcare personnel arm movements in patient care for isolation settings. We tested fluid leakage of two examination gloves with different cuff lengths and seven isolation gown models designed with varying levels of barrier resistance and multiple cuff types. Our results demonstrated that leakage through the glove-gown interface depends on multiple factors, including glove cuff length and gown cuff design. Gowns with the thumb loop design provided better protection than the elastic cuff design, and the elastic cuff design provided better protection compared to the knit cuff design for a given AAMI PB70 level. More importantly, a substantial penetration through gown fabrics was observed. This research identifies a need to develop a standardized method to evaluate leakage at the glove-gown interface to improve worker protection.

Modeling Vagal Nerve Compound Action Potential Parameters to Control Specific Nerve Fiber Pathways

Neuromodulation of the peripheral nervous system has shown potential as an effective targeted therapy for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and gastroparesis. Stimulation of the vagus nerve is of particular interest since the nerve stretches from the brain to the colon, and parasympathetically controls nearly every organ in between. Thus, a detailed understanding of the vagus nerve morphologies and their ideal stimulation parameters is vital to delivering effective neuromodulation therapy with predictable and reproducible outcomes. The primary goal of this project is to utilize a recently developed compound action potential (CAP) modeling tool to characterize the interplay between four key parameters for bipolar vagal nerve recordings: stimulus pulse shape, cuff length, conduction distance, and peak amplitude of the resulting CAP volley. Sample data from the model's optimization tool is shown in Figures 1-2 below, indicating that the optimal cuff length and conduction distance for maximizing the CAP peak amplitude from bipolar recordings in the vagal ventral gastric branch ranges from 1-4 mm and 0-2 mm, respectively. This data was collected from a CAP model that corresponds to particular subsets of nerve fibers within the vagus nerve that supply individual organs, in this case the ventral gastric branch of the stomach. Further research will break down this CAP feedback to identify individual vagal nerve fiber pathways and their effect on linked organs, ultimately helping create more functional and targeted stimulation therapies.

Bipolar circumcision: A new technique for an old procedure with quantified cosmetic outcome.

Background:Circumcision using bipolar diathermy is well established and used widely. It seems to be superior in terms of post operative complications. The cosmetic outcome of the procedure has never been quantitatively described though.Aims:To describe a modification to performing circumcision with bipolar that involves applying four clamps to the foreskin as it is being amputated with the bipolar so that a consistent length of the mucosal cuff can be obtained with a single almost bloodless cut.Methods:Prospective case series of all patients circumcised using the 4 clamps traction and bipolar cut technique. The cosmetic outcome was assessed in terms of the length of the mucosal cuff in absolute numbers and in proportion to the penile and glanular length.Results:Seventy four patients were recruited with a median age of 3.5 months. No complications were encountered. The average length of the penis was 40 ± 13 mm and the glans 12 ± 3.6 mm. The average length of the mucosal cuff was 8.4 ± 2.9 mm, and the proportion to total penile length was 21.1% ± 4.7% and to glans length 72% ± 24.1%.Conclusion:The four clamp traction method with bipolar circumcision is safe and has a satisfactory cosmetic outcome.

Pharmacological modulation of brain activation to non-noxious stimulation in a cynomolgus macaque model of peripheral nerve injury.

In vivo neuroimaging could be utilized as a noninvasive tool for elaborating the CNS mechanism of chronic pain and for elaborating mechanisms of potential analgesic therapeutics. A model of unilateral peripheral neuropathy was developed in the cynomolgus macaque, a species that is phylogenetically close to humans. Nerve entrapment was induced by placing a 4 mm length of polyvinyl cuff around the left common sciatic nerve. Prior to nerve injury, stimulation of the foot with a range of non-noxious von Frey filaments (1, 4, 8, 15, and 26 g) did not evoke brain activation as observed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Two weeks after injury, stimulation of the ipsilateral foot with non-noxious filaments activated the contralateral insula/secondary somatosensory cortex (Ins/SII) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). By contrast, no activation was observed with stimulation of the contralateral foot. Robust bilateral activation of thalamus was observed three to five weeks after nerve injury. Treatment with the clinical analgesic pregabalin reduced evoked activation of Ins/SII, thalamus and ACC whereas treatment with the NK1 receptor antagonist aprepitant reduced activation of the ipsilateral (left) thalamus. Twelve to 13 weeks after nerve injury, treatment with pregabalin reduced evoked activation of all regions of interest (ROI). By contrast, brain activation persisted in most ROI, except the ACC, following aprepitant treatment. Activation of the contralateral Ins/SII and bilateral thalamus was observed six months after nerve injury and pregabalin treatment suppressed activation of these nuclei. The current findings demonstrated persistent changes in CNS neurons following nerve injury as suggested by activation with non-painful mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, it was possible to functionally distinguish between a clinically efficacious analgesic drug, pregabalin, from a drug that has not demonstrated significant clinical analgesic efficacy, aprepitant. In vivo neuroimaging in the current nonhuman model could enhance translatability.

Performance of the cuff leak test in adults in predicting post-extubation airway complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundClinical practice guidelines recommend performing a cuff leak test in mechanically ventilated adults who meet extubation criteria to screen those at high risk for post-extubation stridor. Previous systematic reviews demonstrated excellent specificity of the cuff leak test but disagreed with respect to sensitivity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the cuff leak test for predicting post-extubation airway complications in intubated adult patients in critical care settings.MethodsWe searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, the Cochrane Library for eligible studies from inception to March 16, 2020, without language restrictions. We included studies that examined the diagnostic accuracy of cuff leak test if post-extubation airway obstruction after extubation or reintubation was explicitly reported as the reference standard. Two authors in duplicate and independently assessed the risk of bias using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. We pooled sensitivities and specificities using generalized linear mixed model approach to bivariate random-effects meta-analysis. Our primary outcomes were post-extubation airway obstruction and reintubation.ResultsWe included 28 studies involving 4493 extubations. Three studies were at low risk for all QUADAS-2 risk of bias domains. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of cuff leak test for post-extubation airway obstruction were 0.62 (95% CI 0.49–0.73; I2 = 81.6%) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.82–0.90; I2 = 97.8%), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the cuff leak test for reintubation were 0.66 (95% CI 0.46–0.81; I2 = 48.9%) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.83–0.92; I2 = 87.4%), respectively. Subgroup analyses suggested that the type of cuff leak test and length of intubation might be the cause of statistical heterogeneity of sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for post-extubation airway obstruction.ConclusionsThe cuff leak test has excellent specificity but moderate sensitivity for post-extubation airway obstruction. The high specificity suggests that clinicians should consider intervening in patients with a positive test, but the low sensitivity suggests that patients still need to be closely monitored post-extubation.

The effect of post-circumcision mucosal cuff length on premature ejaculation.

We aimed to compare the length of mucosal cuff after circumcision in patients with and without a complaint of premature ejaculation (PE). Sexually active patients without erectile dysfunction that presented to the urology polyclinic between March 2018 and June 2018 were included in this multicentered, prospective study. The circumcision age of the patients, the person who performed the procedure (surgeon, non-surgeon), penile length, and dorsal and ventral penile measurements were recorded and compared between patients with and without PE. A total of 208 patients were included in the study. The mean circumcision age of the patients was 5.7±4.2 years, and the mean dorsal and ventral mucosal sizes were 15.02±4.58 mm and 16.31±4.92 mm, respectively. PE was present in 106 of the participants. There was no statistically significant difference between the PE and non-PE groups in terms of the person who performed the procedure (surgeon, non-surgeon). However, patients with PE had statistically significantly longer dorsal and ventral mucosal measurements compared to those without PE (p<0.001). Our study showed that the dorsal and ventral lengths of mucosal tissue left behind after circumcision are a risk factor for PE. Therefore, special attention should be paid not to leave redundant dorsal and ventral mucosal tissue during this procedure.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transanal Pull-Through in Hirschsprung Disease: Does Laparoscopic Dissection Minimize Anal Overstretching?

Introduction: Surgical treatment for Hirschsprung disease (HD) has evolved from a staged repair to a primary operation but is still associated with significant complications. Extensive transanal dissection may overstretch the sphincter and cause partial tear; however, laparoscopic dissection can decrease rectal overstretching. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the outcome of surgical management of HD and the efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through in infants and children in our center. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 74 patients who underwent surgical repair of HD from 2006 to 2019. However, we excluded 42 patients with HD (patients with stoma [n = 33] and total colonic aganglionosis [n = 9]). The remaining 32 patients were divided into two groups. Group A included patients who had transanal pull-through with laparoscopic assistance only to visualize the transition zone, take a biopsy, and check for twisting or bleeding. Group B included patients who had laparoscopic-assisted transanal pull-through with dissection of the rectum. All patients had Soave repair with an approximate cuff length of 5 cm. Results: Group A included 18 patients, whereas group B included 14 patients. Demographic data were comparable between the two groups with no significant difference in age or gender (P = .12 and .67, respectively). Patients in group A had longer operative time (210 ± 20.75 minutes versus 178 ± 18.92 minutes; P < .001) and hospital stay (6 ± 1.33 days versus 5 ± 1.24 days; P = .033). No significant difference was observed in postoperative complications between both groups (anastomotic site stricture, P = .295; persistent soiling, P = .238). Conclusion: Laparoscopic rectal dissection for managing HD is associated with less operative time and hospital stay. In addition, all procedures required for the repair can be safely performed using laparoscopy.

Inverted Lung Transplantation: Interposition of Pericardial Conduit for Pulmonary Venous Anastomosis

Introduction Lung transplantation (LTx) is still limited by a shortage of suitable donor lungs. Evolving flexible surgical procedures help increase the chances of LTx by unfolding recipient-to-donor matching options based on the pre-existing organ allocation concept. In particular, right single LTx using an inverted left donor lung may be considered under the following conditions: 1) Despite a right-side-predominant lung dysfunction in a recipient candidate, the option is limited to the use of a left single donor lung due to evidence of lung injury in the right donor lung or necessity to share the organ with another candidate prioritized on the waitlist; 2) Left side LTx in the recipient is impossible due to a past history in the recipient of thoracic surgery. One of the key challenges in performing inverted LTx is to adjust the positional relationship between the recipient's and graft's hilar structures. Herein, we report a case of successful left-to-right inverted LTx using interposition of a pericardial conduit for pulmonary venous anastomosis. Case Report A left lung graft was offered to a 59-year-old male who had predominant damage of the right lung by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Fig.1A). We decided to transplant the left donor lung into the right thorax of the recipient, considering his serious disease condition. Due to the anterior-posterior position gap, adjustment of the cuff length of the pulmonary artery and vein was required. Pulmonary artery anastomosis could be performed by leaving both the donor and recipient cuff long, but an extension of the pulmonary vein by interposition of a pericardial conduit was required for anastomosis (Fig.1B). The patient developed no anastomotic complications after the LTx. Summary left-to-right inverted LTx is technically feasible by using an autologous pericardial conduit in selected cases. The technique has the potential benefit of encouraging exploration and expansion of unprecedented donor-recipient matching patterns in LTx.

Vaginal cuff length during radical hysterectomy is a prognostic factor for stage IB-IIA cervical cancer: a retrospective study.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vaginal cuff length (VCL) resected during radical hysterectomy (RH) on the long-term survival outcomes of patients with cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stage IB–IIA) and to explore whether VCL is a prognostic factor for cervical cancer.MethodsA total of 435 eligible patients with stage IB and IIA cervical cancer who underwent RH in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, People’s Republic of China) from January 2007 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups (VCL ≤2.0 cm and >2.0 cm) for further analysis according to the VCL during RH. The Kaplan–Meier method was adopted to calculate the survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze independent prognosis factors for survival.ResultsOf the 435 identified patients, 196 had VCL ≤2.0 cm and 239 had VCL >2.0 cm after RH. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for the group who had VCL ≤2.0 cm vs the group who had VCL >2.0 cm was 68.1% vs 87.5% (P<0.001). Correspondingly, the overall survival (OS) for the two groups was 71.4% vs 89.2% (P<0.001). More interestingly, the VCL was significantly associated with the 5-year local recurrence rate, but not associated with the distant metastasis rate. In addition to the VCL, FIGO stage and lymph node involvement were also identified as significant prognostic factors for cervical cancer.ConclusionResection of VCL >2.0 cm in RH has a more favorable long-term outcome than VCL ≤2.0 cm among patients with cervical cancer (FIGO stage IB–IIA); shorter VCL resection was significantly associated with local recurrence, DFS, and OS; thus, it can be considered as a prognostic factor for cervical cancer.

LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER OF IBG1-2 STAGE

In a retrospective study, the results of treatment of 548 patients with endometrial cancer (EС) of intermediate risk of IBG1-2 stage for 2006–2010 were evaluated. The overall, cancer-specific and disease-free 5-year survival rate was 83.7 ± 1.6, 91.2 ± 1.2, 88.4 ± 1.4 %. The best treatment results were obtained during combined treatment with the use of simple hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and adjuvant extra-beam radiation therapy. Chemotherapy did not improve the treatment results. A joint application in the treatment regimen of pelvic lymphadenectomy and adjuvant extrabeam radiation therapy on the pelvic regimen is impractical, since it does not affect the survival rate. Differences in survival rates in the regions were established at the stage of IBG1-2. Despite the fact that the methods of treatment of this stage of EC are standardized, the differences obtained can be evidence of an insufficiently effective quality of treatment in a number of regions of the Republic. In regions with the lowest survival rates, attention should be paid to the technique of operations, how adequately the extrafascial hysterectomy is performed, the length of the resected vaginal cuff, the start time, the dose and duration of radiation therapy, the size of the irradiation fields and the volume of irradiated tissues, the equipment for radiation therapy and others.