Long-term Satisfaction Rates Research Articles

Sacrocolpopexy: The Way I Do It.

Sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is an established surgical procedure for apical vaginal vault prolapse. There remains significant variation amongst surgeons in both the surgical steps and concomitant surgeries utilised when undertaking an SCP. This review article is aimed at summarising the evidence and providing a detailed update of SCP in modern practice, reviewing contemporary evidence behind its indications, efficacy, outcomes, surgical steps, and complications. Sacrocolpopexy remains the gold standard for post-hysterectomy apical prolapse based on good long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction and low complication rates. SCP with concomitant total hysterectomy is not recommended owing to high rates of mesh exposure. The laparoscopic approach remains the preferred option in terms of low morbidity, quicker recovery and lower cost than alternative access options. For optimal outcomes an SCP should be performed with monofilament mesh, using absorbable sutures and with a paravaginal repair for cystocele. Although SCP has become increasingly utilised for apical prolapse, its established efficacy regarding anatomical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complications is in the context of post-hysterectomy prolapse. SCP with concomitant total hysterectomy has higher rates of mesh exposure. The efficacy and safety of SCP with sub-total hysterectomy or hysteropexy have not been clearly established and require further assessment through well-designed, rigorous randomised controlled trials.

Subjective Long-Term Outcomes After Vaginal Native Tissue Hysteropexy: Cohort Study.

There are still doubts about long-term satisfaction rates of native tissue uterine preserving surgical techniques for pelvic organ prolapse. The objective of this study was to compare long-term subjective success rates and satisfaction rates between vaginal sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSHP) and vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (VH-USLS). This was a retrospective single-center, observational matched cohort study in women receiving either SSHP or VH-USLS between 2004 and 2021. Primary outcome was overall subjective success (combined outcome of absence of bulge nor retreatment, and satisfaction with operation) at least 12 months after surgery. Satisfaction with the operation was defined as a combined Patient Global Impression of Improvement rating ≤ 2 and a patient satisfaction score ≥7. Of 583 patients, 192 patients could be matched (SSHP, 96; VH-USLS, 96), with 55% (SSHP, 60; VH-USLS, 45) participating at the telephone interview. Mean follow-up time was 77 months for VH-USLS, and 36 months for SSHP, respectively. No difference in overall subjective success rates was found between the groups (45% VH-USLS and 51% SSHP; P = 0.54). Overall satisfaction was similar between both groups (70% vs 71%, P = 0.90). Logistic regression found no influence of duration of follow-up and the overall subjective success rate. Both procedures would be recommended to a relative or friend by a large majority of patients (88% vs 85%, P = 0.761). Operative time and hospitalization time were significantly shorter in the SSHP group. No serious complications were reported. Overall success rates did not differ between both procedures after at least 1 year of follow-up with relatively high satisfaction rates. Sacrospinous hysteropexy had shorter operative time and shorter duration of hospitalization.

Predictors of patient satisfaction after surgery for grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis: a 5-year analysis of the Quality Outcomes Database.

Lumbar decompression and/or fusion surgery is a common operation for symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis refractory to conservative management. Multiyear follow-up of patient outcomes can be difficult to obtain but allows for identification of preoperative patient characteristics associated with durable pain relief, improved functional outcome, and higher patient satisfaction. A query of the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) low-grade spondylolisthesis module for patients who underwent surgery for grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis (from July 2014 to June 2016 at the 12 highest-enrolling sites) was used to identify patient satisfaction, as measured with the North American Spine Society (NASS) questionnaire, which uses a scale of 1-4. Patients were considered satisfied if they had a score ≤ 2. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify baseline demographic and clinical predictors of long-term satisfaction 5 years after surgery. Of 573 eligible patients from a cohort of 608, patient satisfaction data were available for 81.2%. Satisfaction (NASS score of 1 or 2) was reported by 389 patients (83.7%) at 5-year follow-up. Satisfied patients were predominantly White and ambulation independent and had lower baseline BMI, lower back pain levels, lower Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and greater EQ-5D index scores at baseline when compared to the unsatisfied group. No significant differences in reoperation rates between groups were reported at 5 years. On multivariate analysis, patients who were independently ambulating at baseline had greater odds of long-term satisfaction (OR 1.12, p = 0.04). Patients who had higher 5-year ODI scores (OR 0.99, p < 0.01) and were uninsured (OR 0.43, p = 0.01) were less likely to report long-term satisfaction. Lumbar surgery for the treatment of grade 1 spondylolisthesis can provide lasting pain relief with high patient satisfaction. Baseline independent ambulation is associated with a higher long-term satisfaction rate after surgery. Higher ODI scores at 5-year follow-up and uninsured status are associated with lower postoperative long-term satisfaction.

LeFort Colpocleisis: Unmet Expectations about Correction of Urinary Symptoms Are Related to Disappointment and Regret

ABSTRACT Introduction and Hypothesis: The aims of this study were to define long-term anatomic outcome, satisfaction rate, and reasons for disappointment and regret in a group of patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse who underwent LeFort colpocleisis (LFC). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent LFC from 2007 to 2021. All patients had surgery involving vaginal hysterectomy and anti-incontinence procedure where clinically indicated. All patients were examined 3 months after surgery. A cross-sectional telephone survey was performed in 2022 using the Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C) questionnaires, as well as the Decision Regret Scale. Student’s t-test, Fisher’s Chi-square test, and univariable logistic regression analysis were carried out. Results: One hundred and forty-one patients (mean age 74.95 ± 6.25 years) were included. The mean preoperative POP Quantification C/D point was +6 (±2.7). In 86 (60.99%) patients, a hysterectomy and in 56 (39.71%), a mid-urethral synthetic sling was performed. At 3-month follow-up, there was one prolapse recurrence (0.71%) and no case of regret of sexual function loss. In the long term, 28 patients died, and 69 patients were interviewed through telephone (follow-up 61.65 months). The mean PGI-S, PGI-I, and PGI-C scores were 1.42 (±0.81), 1.93 (±1.45), and 5.91 (±1.69) respectively, and no patient declared regret about vaginal intercourse loss. Preoperative and postoperative persistent or de novo mixed UI appeared to be related to decreased satisfaction and regret post-LFC (P = 0.0021). Conclusion: LFC is a valuable, easy-to-perform technique with long-lasting results and decreased postoperative anti-incontinence rates. However, de novo or persistent urinary incontinence appears to be related to decreased satisfaction rates.

Penile prosthesis in priapism: a systematic review of outcomes and complications.

Priapism is a rare condition characterized by persistent erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours in the absence of sexual stimulation and is associated with significant morbidity and complications, including erectile dysfunction and penile fibrosis. Surgical management of priapism can be extremely challenging. We herein provide a comprehensive review that aims to evaluate the role of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation in the management of priapism. A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify studies that evaluated the effectiveness of PP implantation in treating priapism and the long-term complications, outcomes, and patients' satisfaction rate. Out of 717 English-language studies published between 2002 and 2022, 17 were chosen for this review. Majority of patients had a malleable PP (MPP) implant, either early or delayed after the priapism episode. Early placement (EP) of PP is widely defined between studies ranging from less than 72 hours, within 1 week, and within 3 weeks. Most common causes of priapism were sickle cell anemia (SCA), medication-induced, and idiopathic. Studies show a higher satisfaction rate ranging between 80% and 100%, with sexual intercourse achievement ranging between 64.2% and 100%. Based on the GRADE system, included studies rated as very low quality of evidence. Commonly reported complications that arise after PP procedures, include device infection, erosion, curvature, and mechanical malfunction, such as auto-inflation. PP can be an effective treatment option for priapism, particularly in cases of ischemic priapism lasting more than 36 hours or recurrent priapism that is medically refractory. However, due to the very low quality of evidence, larger, well-designed studies are warranted where long-term outcomes, patients' satisfaction, and complications following priapism-related PP implantation are measured as endpoints.

(118) Clinical Predictors of Long-Term Satisfaction with Treatment of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for Patients with Peyronie’s Disease

Abstract Introduction Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is the only FDA-approved medication for Peyronie’s Disease (PD) in the United States. Roughly half of patients who received CCH experience improvements in curvature by more than 20% in the IMPRESS I/II trials. Current literature reports varying satisfaction rates of 67-81% within one year of treatment completion. However, little is known of long-term patient satisfaction following CCH treatment and its clinical predictors. Objective The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of long-term satisfaction with CCH for PD. Methods An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective chart review and standardized questionnaire was conducted for all patients with PD who received CCH from 2009-2022. Patients who received CCH before presenting to our institution were excluded. The questionnaire utilized the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), which is validated across the subdomains of satisfaction with effectiveness, side effects (SE), convenience, and global satisfaction (GS), and summed to generate the TSQM total score. Statistical analyses were performed in R using Wilcoxon rank sum test and independent T-test to compare continuous variables with TSQM scores, and Spearman’s rank correlation to compare categorical variables with TSQM scores. Results Of the 243 eligible patients, 80 (32.9%) responded (Table 1). Of these, 34 (42.5%) reported satisfaction with CCH treatment. On average, surveys were completed 4.7 (SD 2.3) years after last CCH injection. Age at presentation, at last CCH injection, and at survey completion were significantly correlated with satisfaction with side effects (Spearman's ρ= 0.32, 0.32, 0.33, respectively; p&amp;lt;0.004 for all) (Table 2). Curvature degree, plaque diameter, and plaque volume measured before CCH treatment and the amount of change in these parameters were not significantly associated with TSQM scores. However, having any improvement in curvature significantly increased the GS subdomain score without affecting the TSQM total score (GS means 37.6 change v 20.7 no change; p=0.03). Greater final curvature degree and plaque volume after CCH completion were significantly correlated with lower TSQM total scores (Spearman's ρ= -0.36, -0.32, respectively; p&amp;lt;0.04 for both). 10 (12.5%) patients reported depression, which significantly decreased scores of the effectiveness subdomain, GS subdomain, and TSQM total (p&amp;lt;0.04 for all). 10 (12.5%) patients proceeded to surgical intervention after CCH treatment and reported significantly decreased scores in the effectiveness subdomain and TSQM total (p= 0.008, 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Our data suggests that older patients exhibit greater long-term satisfaction and tolerability of side effects from CCH. Additionally, final curvature and plaque volume after CCH completion were the most important objective predictors of long-term satisfaction rather than the degree of change in these parameters. Patients with depression also reported lower long-term satisfaction rates with CCH treatment. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: M.K. acts as a consultant for AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast. M.K. is an investor of Sprout. L.L. acts as a consultant for AbbVie, Aytu BioScience, Contraline, Lipocine. L.L. acts as an advisor for Inherent Bioscences. L.L. acts as consultant/speaker for Endo Pharmaceuticals. L.L. acts as a speaker for American Medical Systems/Boston Scientific.

Long-Term Results After Hallux Valgus Correction with Distal Metatarsal Reversed-L (ReveL) Osteotomy: Factors That Influence Recurrence and the Clinical Outcome.

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of hallux valgus correction with a distal metatarsal reversed-L (ReveL) osteotomy. Eighty-eight patients (131 feet) were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 14.2 years (range, 10 to 18 years). Weight-bearing foot radiographs were analyzed preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and at the final follow-up for the following parameters: hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) congruence angle, sesamoid position, presence of the round sign, and first MTPJ arthritis. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) assessed postoperative pain and function. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hallux valgus recurrence and an inferior clinical outcome. All radiographic parameters significantly improved at the 6-week follow-up and the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The recurrence rate (HVA >20°) was 14%. A preoperative HVA of >28° (odds ratio [OR], 9.1; p = 0.02) and a 6-week postoperative HVA of >15° (OR, 4.6; p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for recurrence. At the final follow-up, all FAOS subscales resembled high postoperative function (median, 100 points [range of the interquartile range (IQR), 81 to 100 points]). A preoperative body mass index of >30 kg/m2 was associated with lower FAOS quality of life (QOL) (p = 0.04), and postoperative hallux varus was associated with lower FAOS activities of daily living (p = 0.048). Patients with first MTPJ arthritis of grade 2 or higher at the final follow-up had significantly lower FAOS subscales (p < 0.01) except for QOL. Hallux valgus recurrence did not influence the long-term outcome. A symptomatic implant was the main cause of revision (15%). In 94% of cases, the patients were satisfied with the hallux appearance and, in 92% of cases, the patients were satisfied with postoperative pain reduction. Hallux valgus correction with a ReveL osteotomy led to high long-term satisfaction rates. A preoperative HVA of >28° and a 6-week postoperative HVA of >15° increased the risk of hallux valgus recurrence. First MTPJ arthritis was the leading cause of inferior clinical results, whereas radiographic hallux valgus recurrence had no impact on the clinical results. First MTPJ arthritis at the final follow-up was associated with an inferior clinical outcome, whereas radiographic hallux valgus recurrence had no impact on the long-term clinical results. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Long-Term outcomes of pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy in a single medical center- a retrospective study.

To examine the long-term success rate of pediatric endoscopic DCR surgery via telephone questionnaires, as determined by patients and their parents. This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent DCR surgery at the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel between 2010 and 2020. We performed long-term follow-ups to assess the quality of life, surgical complications, and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Our study includes seventy-nine patients with a total of 108 eyes. The mean age at the time of DCR was 7.05 years (Std = 4, min = 0.3, max = 17.7) Mean follow-up time was 5.7 years (Std =2.5, min = 1.4, max = 11.1). Tubes were inserted for a mean of 129 days (Std = 101). Fifty-seven patients (72%) declared they had no complications after surgery, three patients (4%) reported pain after surgery, and 14 patients (17.7%) reported tube extrusion, which occurred 7-21 days after surgery. Forty-four patients (56%) reported no recurrence of symptoms, 29 (37%) complained of mild epiphora, and 18 (23%) reported some ocular discharge. Sixty-eight patients (86%) stated that they did not undergo additional surgery, while the remaining 11 (14%) reported undergoing a revision operation for symptom control. Satisfaction rate (1-7) mean score reported was 6.15 (Std = 1.6). Sixty-two (78%) reported improved quality of life, while 17 (22%) reported no improvement. Our questionnaire results have been compared with the TEARS scores with similar findings. Regardless of its etiology, endoscopic DCR surgery in the pediatric population is safe and efficient, with a high long-term patient satisfaction rate, as reported via a telephone questionnaire.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenail with a Minimally Invasive Nail Fixator: Comparative Study with Winograd Technique.

Many surgical techniques have been reported for treatment of ingrown toenails. Occurrence of infection after matricectomy procedures could cause clinicians to prefer using external braces in the treatment of ingrown toenails. This study compares patients with ingrown toenails who underwent the nail fixation technique and the Winograd technique. Patients who underwent ingrown toenail surgery were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' demographic characteristics (ie, age, gender, body mass index morphology according to Heifetz classification, surgical technique, visual analogue scale values, time to return to daily activities [days], complications, and satisfaction levels) were all recorded. Seventy patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 33 underwent nail fixation and 37 underwent the Winograd technique. No significant statistical differences were found in terms of patients' age, gender, body mass index, preoperative clinical features, long-term satisfaction, and ingrown toenail recurrence rates between the two groups, but time to return to daily activities and visual analogue scale values were statistically significantly lower in patients treated using nail fixation compared with the Winograd technique. Nail fixation can be an effective surgical treatment option for ingrown toenail.

Free Dermal Fat Grafting: A Novel Technique for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds During Facelift Surgery.

Traditional facelift surgery does not behave well in the correction of nasolabial folds, which is a common clinical problem and needed to be improved. To investigate the effect of free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery for the treatment of nasolabial folds. This prospective cohort study involved 80 patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds and facial skin dermatolysis. Fifty of them underwent facelift surgery combined with free dermal fat grafting, and 30 of them underwent traditional facelift surgery. These patients were followed up 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery to evaluate the effect. The difference in Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) scores, assessed at each follow-up, between the patients who underwent and did not undergo free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery, was statistically significant. For patients who underwent free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery, the WSRS scores assessed at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery were significantly different from those before the surgery. The analytic results of FACE-Q indicated a high level of overall satisfaction rate. No major complications were recorded. Free dermal fat as a filler for nasolabial folds can achieve excellent therapeutic effect. The combination of facelift surgery with free dermal fat grafting for the treatment of nasolabial folds can provide very good long-term results and a high patient satisfaction rate for patients with symptoms of facial aging such as facial dermatolysis, obvious wrinkles, and deep nasolabial folds.

Efficacy and safety of vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) of fibroadenomas: experience in a tertiary centre

PurposeTo evaluate the technical success and efficacy rates of US-guided percutaneous vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) of breast fibroadenomas, also assessing procedural complications and long-term patient satisfaction rates. Materials and methodsThe institutional database of a tertiary breast cancer referral centre was retrospectively reviewed to retrieve all women with fibroadenomas who underwent US-guided VAE between May 2011 and September 2019. We subsequently included in this study all fibroadenomas with a maximum diameter of 3 cm at US and an available histological confirmation obtained by core-needle biopsy before VAE. Immediately after VAE, technical success (defined as the correct VAE execution) and the occurrence of procedural complications were evaluated. Imaging follow-up (US ± mammography) after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months was performed to evaluate technical efficacy (defined as the absence of fibroadenoma recurrence at 6-month follow-up). Long-term patient satisfaction was evaluated with telephonic interviews in October 2022.ResultsWe retrospectively included 108 women (median age 46 years) with 110 fibroadenomas diagnosed at core-needle biopsy with a median lesion size at US of 12 mm. Technical success was obtained in 110/110 VAEs (100%). Minor procedural complications (haematomas) occurred in 7/110 VAEs (6%), whereas 8/110 patients had a fibroadenoma recurrence at 6-month follow-up, resulting in a 93% technical efficacy (102/110 VAEs). All patients available for telephonic follow-up (104/104, 100%) reported high satisfaction with VAE results.ConclusionUS-guided VAE is a safe and effective procedure for the excision of fibroadenomas, representing a viable alternative to surgery, with a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction.

Deep reinforcement learning of passenger behavior in multimodal journey planning with proportional fairness

Multimodal transportation systems require an effective journey planner to allocate multiple passengers to transport operators. One example is mobility-as-a-service, a new mobility service that integrates various transport modes through a single platform. In such a multimodal and diverse journey planning problem, accommodating heterogeneous passengers with different and dynamic preferences can be challenging. Furthermore, passengers may behave based on experiences and expectations, in the sense that the transport experience affects their state and decision of the next transport service. Current methods of treating each journey planning optimization as a non-time varying single experience problem cannot adequately model passenger experience and memories over many journeys over time. In this paper, we model passenger experience as a Markov model where prior experiences have a transient effect on future long-term satisfaction and retention rate. As such, we formulate a multi-objective journey planning problem that considers individual passenger preferences, experiences, and memories. The proposed approach dynamically determines utility weights to obtain an optimal journey plan for individual passengers based on their status. To balance the profit received by each transport operator, we present a variant-based proportional fairness. Our experiments using real-world and synthetic datasets show that our approach enhances passenger satisfaction, compared to baseline methods. We demonstrate that the overall profit is increased by 2.3 times, resulting in a higher retention rate caused by higher satisfaction levels. Our proposed approach can facilitate the participation of transport operators and promote passenger acceptance of MaaS.

Does Simultaneous Fusion of Preexisting Spinal Canal Stenosis Adjacent to Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Achieve a Better Clinical Outcome? A Retrospective Study with More than 5-year Follow-Up.

In this study, we investigate the effect of simultaneous fusion of preexisting adjacent spinal canal stenosis on the outcome of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) from August 2013 to March 2016 were included. The inclusion criteria were the following: single-level spondylolisthesis (L4 or L5) and mild to moderate spinal stenosis at cranial adjacent segment of the spondylolisthesis segment before operation. According to whether the adjacent stenotic segment was included in the scope of surgery, the patients were divided into two groups: group A, only the spondylolisthesis was treated with single-level TLIF, and the adjacent stenosis was not treated with any surgery; In group B, TLIF were performed in the spondylolisthesis segment and the adjacent stenotic level; no spinal stenosis was found in other levels. The patients were followed up for more than 5 years. The general information before operation, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and leg pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores before operation and at the last follow-up were recorded. A total of 23 patients were included in group A, and 24 patients were included in group B. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender distribution, age, course of disease, level of slippage, length of stay, degree of spondylolisthesis, stenotic grade of adjacent segment, and intervertebral disk degeneration grade (p> 0.05). The blood loss during surgery in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (p< 0.05). The operation time of group B was longer than that of group A, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.245). There was no significant difference in preoperative VAS and ODI scores between the two groups. At the last follow-up, the VAS scores of low back pain in the two groups were almost the same. However, the VAS scores of leg pain and ODI scores in group B were slightly higher than those in group A at the last follow-up, but the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). If relatives and friends have the similar disease, all the patients of group A and 87.5% of patients in group B would recommend that type of surgery. The satisfaction of group A (100%) was higher than that of group B (79.17%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.068). For single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis with mild to moderate spinal stenosis in adjacent segment before operation, decompression and fusion on the level of spondylolisthesis only is a safe, less invasive, and economical surgical option, with good long-term clinical efficacy and high satisfaction rates.

Long-term patient satisfaction and removal rate after essure sterilization: a follow-up study

BackgroundThe objective of our study was to assess the rate and causes for Essure® micro-insert system removal and patients’ long term satisfaction rate with the procedure.MethodsAll patients who underwent Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization at our tertiary centre between years 2007 and 2018 were included in this follow-up study. A questionnaire was sent to all patients per standard mail. Patients who did not respond to questionnaires per mail, were called by phone. The satisfaction with the Essure® sterilization, as well as any additional procedures after the insertion or insertion-related complications were analysed.ResultsFrom the year 2007 to 2018, we performed 427 Essure® hysteroscopic sterilizations and of these, 329 patients responded to the questionnaire (response rate 77%). Ten patients (3%) had Essure® removal, two of them due to pain (0.6%). Patients were very satisfied with the procedure (9.5 on scale 0–10). Most patients (95.3%) would recommend the procedure to their friend.ConclusionsEssure® hysteroscopic sterilization is a procedure with a very high satisfaction rate and a very low removal rate due to sterilization-related complications.Trial registration Institutional review board of University medical centre Maribor approved the study, approval number UKC-MB-KME-73/19.

Clinical experience on intertransverse extraforaminal approach for far lateral disc herniations: 132 cases.

Far lateral disc herniations attract many spine surgeons for their type of onset, degree of pain, risk of neurological deficit, and increasing incidence. Today, a direct approach to the region by miminally invasive techniques is preferred. We aimed to present the results of the cases that were operated via intertransverse extraforaminal approach through a midline incision. One hundred thirty-two patients who were operated for far lateral disc herniation by extraforaminal approach between January 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. The demographical data, level of disc herniations, examination findings, preoperative and postoperative VAS scores, and postoperative long-term MacNab satisfaction rates were recorded. Sixty-nine of the patients were male. The mean age was 58.1 years. Acute onset pain was a dominant complaint in 75% of the cases. The mean preoperative VAS score of 8.24 decreased to 2.08 at one month postoperatively. Based on a mean follow-up of 34.4 months, the long-term satisfaction rates according to Macnab criteria were 74% excellent-good, 20% moderate, and 6% poor. Intertransverse extraforaminal approach is an effective and safe technique for far lateral disc herniations. However, considering the anatomical restrictions and the unfamiliarity of the surgeons with the region, it is important that the surgeons perform the surgery with the technique they know best to increase the success of the surgery.

Osteoid osteoma: treatment outcome and long-term follow-up after MRI-guided laser ablation.

BackgroundAim of this study was to investigate short-term and long-term treatment outcome, complication rates, and patient satisfaction after MRI-guided laser ablation (LA) of osteoid osteoma (OO).MethodsThirty-five patients with OO in typical and atypical localizations were treated by MRI-guided LA with MRI thermometry in an open 1.0 T system. Twenty-nine patients underwent a standardized telephone interview including questions about recurrence, residual pain or functional symptoms, and satisfaction for short-term follow-up after a mean of 31 months. Twenty-one of these patients were available for long-term telephone follow-up after a mean of 116 months.ResultsTechnical success of MRI-guided LA was 100% without major complications. Two minor complications included transient local inflammation and transient damage of the peroneal nerve associated with improper patient positioning during the procedure. Primary clinical success was 92% (11/12) in typically located OO and 82% (14/17) in atypically located OO. Secondary clinical success after repeat ablation was 100% regardless of OO location. Patient satisfaction and acceptance of the intervention were very good at both short-term (97%) and long-term (100%) follow-up.ConclusionsMRI-guided LA of OO is a safe and effective treatment option resulting in high short-term and long-term patient satisfaction and acceptance rates. Recurrence and adverse events were more common in patients with atypically located OO. Level of Evidence: Level 3, non-randomized follow-up study.

Collagenase and the Treatment of Dupuytren Contracture: Efficacy of Treatment and Patient Satisfaction.

Background: Collagenase clostridium histolyticum has become a widely used treatment in the management of Dupuytren disease. The aims of this study are to assess the immediate success of treatment of Dupuytren contracture with collagenase injection, to measure long-term patient-rated outcomes, to determine whether the risk factors for the disease impacted outcomes and to report complications of collagenase treatment. Methods: A prospective study was performed in a tertiary referral centre. Measurements were recorded pre-treatment, day 1 and day 90. Patient-rated outcome scores were measured using Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) at minimum 36 months post-injection. Results: The study included 45 patients with 53 hands with a mean age of 65.7 years. The treatment was successful in 62% of patients with the greatest improvement in the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the little finger. Diabetes, epilepsy, gender, alcohol intake and positive family history had no statistically significant predictive value on successful outcomes. Patient satisfaction at 41 months was high with mean MHQ score of 97.3. Conclusions: Collagenase is effective in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture, with disease involving the little finger showing the greatest benefit. Risk factors for development of Dupuytren disease had no effect on successful outcome and long-term satisfaction rates are high. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Commentary on: Single Center and Surgeon's Long-term (15-19 Years) Patient Satisfaction and Revision Rate of Round Textured Eurosilicone Breast Implants.

Commentary on: Single Center and Surgeon's Long-term (15-19 Years) Patient Satisfaction and Revision Rate of Round Textured Eurosilicone Breast Implants.

Long-term outcomes following surgical repair of acute injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament

The primary aim of this study was to describe the long-term patient reported outcomes following surgical repair of acute injuries to the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The secondary aims were to describe the long-term health related quality of life, patient satisfaction and complication rate. From a single surgeon series, 30 patients were identified over an 11 year period (February 2000–February 2011). QuickDASH, EQ-5D-5L, and satisfaction scores were collected from 22 patients (73%) at mean 183 month follow up. The median QuickDASH score was 2.27. Median EQ-5D-5L was 0.88. Satisfaction rate was 82%, Net Promotor Score was 90. Significantly worse QuickDASH scores were seen in patients that developed MCP joint arthrosis or had had subsequent ipsilateral hand injuries (median 39.7 vs 2.27; p = 0.002). All the patients employed at the time of surgery returned to work without long-term adaptations. Surgical repair of acute UCL injury generally provides an excellent long-term functional outcome and satisfaction rate. Complications are rare but where MCP joint arthrosis develops functional outcomes can be significantly worse.

Long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction after artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

To evaluate long-term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter implantation in men for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter implant for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence between June 1989 and January 2020 were included in this single-centre retrospective series. All patients with a functional artificial urinary sphincter in situ were contacted to evaluate long-term functional outcomes using validated questionnaires. A total of 263 patients were included in this retrospective series with a mean follow-up of 61months. Explant-free survival after 5years was 75% with a median time to explant of 16.2years. Revision-free implant survival was 62% after 5years with a median revision-free implant survival rate of 10.8years. Previous pelvic irradiation, history of stricture disease and previous artificial urinary sphincter implant were associated with decreased implant survival. Overall social continence rate after 5years was 60%. Prior radiation therapy, anticoagulation therapy and previous anti-incontinence surgery were associated with a higher incontinence risk. On long-term evaluation of 158 patients with their artificial urinary sphincter currently in situ, 51% were socially continent and 29% reported they were totally dry. Of these patients, 92% indicated to be satisfied with their current continence status. A significant proportion of patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter implant incontinence needed revision or explant surgery. Long-term continence rates are acceptable but tend to decrease by time. Nonetheless, if patients can maintain a functional AUS in situ, long-term patient satisfaction rates remain high.