Medium-term Functional Outcomes Research Articles

Endoscopic Calcaneal SpeedBridge Technique: Decreased Post-Operative Complication Rate in Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

An endoscopic calcaneal SpeedBridge technique was described recently. The primary objective of this study was to report the post-operative complications seen with calcaneal SpeedBridge repair. The secondary objective was to report short- and medium-term functional outcomes. Post-operative complications are less common with endoscopic vs. open SpeedBridge suturing. The endoscopic SpeedBridge technique was used in 9 patients who had insertional Achilles tendinopathy refractory to conservative management. The patients were evaluated at least 24 months after the procedure. Infectious and wound-healing complications were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain and patient satisfaction, shoeing difficulties, the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score, and the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score were assessed. During the mean follow-up of 25.3 months, no complications were recorded. The EFAS and VISA-A scores were 37/40 and 91/100, respectively. The mean VAS scores for pain and satisfaction were 1.7/10 and 9.3/10, respectively. No patients reported shoeing difficulties. Endoscopic calcaneal SpeedBridge suturing is associated with a lower complication rate compared to the open variant. Clinical outcomes are highly satisfactory in the short and middle terms. IV; retrospective observational cohort study.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF DORSAL BRIDGE PLATING FOR LISFRANC INJURIES WITH ROUTINE METALWORK RETENTION: A MAJOR TRAUMA CENTRE EXPERIENCE

BackgroundAnatomical reduction of unstable Lisfranc injuries is crucial. Evidence as to the best methods of surgical stabilization remains sparse, with small patient numbers a particular issue. Dorsal bridge plating offers rigid stability and joint preservation.The primary aim of this study was to assess the medium-term functional outcomes for patients treated with this technique at our centre. Additionally, we review for risk factors that influence outcomes.Methods85 patients who underwent open reduction and dorsal bridge plate fixation of unstable Lisfranc injuries between January 2014 and January 2019 were identified. Metalwork was not routinely removed. A retrospective review of case notes was conducted. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire summary index (MOXFQ-Index) was the primary outcome measure, collected at final follow-up, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale, complications, and all-cause re-operation rates were secondary outcome measures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with poorer outcomes.ResultsMean follow-up 40.8 months (24–72). Mean MOXFQ-Index 27.0 (SD 7.1). Mean AOFAS score 72.6 (SD 11.6). 48/85 patients had injury patterns that included an intra-articular fracture and this was associated with poorer outcomes, with worse MOXFQ and AOFAS scores (both p < 0.001). 18 patients (21%) required the removal of metalwork for either prominence or stiffness. Female patients were more likely to require metalwork removal (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.27 to 12.0, p = 0.02). Eight patients (9%) required secondary arthrodesis.ConclusionsThis is the largest series of Lisfranc injuries treated with dorsal bridge plate fixation reported to date and the only to routinely retain metalwork. The technique is safe and effective. The presence of an intraarticular fracture is a poor prognostic indicator. Metalwork removal is more likely to be needed in female patients but routine removal may not be essential.

Management of peri-surgical anemia in elective surgery. Conclusions and recommendations according to Delphi-UCLA methodology

IntroductionPreoperative anemia affects approximately one third of surgical patients. It increases the risk of blood transfusion and influences short- and medium-term functional outcomes, increases comorbidities, complications and costs. The “Patient Blood Management” (PBM) programs, for integrated and multidisciplinary management of patients, are considered as paradigms of quality care and have as one of the fundamental objectives to correct perioperative anemia. PBM has been incorporated into the schemes for intensified recovery of surgical patients: the recent Enhanced Recovery After Surgery 2021 pathway (in Spanish RICA 2021) includes almost 30 indirect recommendations for PBM. ObjectiveTo make a consensus document with RAND/UCLA Delphi methodology to increase the penetration and priority of the RICA 2021 recommendations on PBM in daily clinical practice. Material and MethodsA coordinating group composed of 6 specialists from Hematology-Hemotherapy, Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine with expertise in anemia and PBM was formed. A survey was elaborated using Delphi RAND/UCLA methodology to reach a consensus on the key areas and priority professional actions to be developed at the present time to improve the management of perioperative anemia. The survey questions were extracted from the PBM recommendations contained in the RICA 2021 pathway. The development of the electronic survey (Google Platform) and the management of the responses was the responsibility of an expert in quality of care and clinical safety.Participants were selected by invitation from speakers at AWGE-GIEMSA scientific meetings and national representatives of PBM-related working groups (Seville Document, SEDAR HTF section and RICA 2021 pathway participants).In the first round of the survey, the anonymized online questionnaire had 28 questions: 20 of them were about PBM concepts included in ERAS guidelines (2 about general PBM organization, 10 on diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia, 3 on management of postoperative anemia, 5 on transfusion criteria) and 8 on pending aspects of research. Responses were organized according to a 10-point Likter scale (0: strongly disagree to 10: strongly agree). Any additional contributions that the participants considered appropriate were allowed. They were considered consensual because all the questions obtained an average score of more than 9 points, except one (question 14).The second round of the survey consisted of 37 questions, resulting from the reformulation of the questions of the first round and the incorporation of the participants' comments. It consisted of 2 questions about general organization of PBM programme, 15 questions on the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia; 3 on the management of postoperative anemia, 6 on transfusional criteria and finally 11 questions on aspects pending od future investigations.Statistical treatment: tabulation of mean, median and interquartiles 25–75 of the value of each survey question (Tables 1, 2 and 3). ResultsExcept for one, all the recommendations were accepted. Except for three, all above 8, and most with an average score of 9 or higher. They are grouped into:1.- “It is important and necessary to detect and etiologically diagnose any preoperative anemia state in ALL patients who are candidates for surgical procedures with potential bleeding risk, including pregnant patients”.2.- “The preoperative treatment of anemia should be initiated sufficiently in advance and with all the necessary hematinic contributions to correct this condition”.3.- “There is NO justification for transfusing any unit of packed red blood cells preoperatively in stable patients with moderate anemia Hb 8−10g/dL who are candidates for potentially bleeding surgery that cannot be delayed.”4.- “It is recommended to universalize restrictive criteria for red blood cell transfusion in surgical and obstetric patients.”5.- “Postoperative anemia should be treated to improve postoperative results and accelerate postoperative recovery in the short and medium term”. ConclusionsThere was a large consensus, with maximum acceptance,strong level of evidence and high recommendation in most of the questions asked. Our work helps to identify initiatives and performances who can be suitables for the implementation of PBM programs at each hospital and for all patients.

High-power holmium laser versus thulium fiber laser for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in patients with glands larger than 80 ml: Results from the Prostate Endoscopic EnucLeation study group

BackgroundEndoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) has gained acceptance as an equitable alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Our primary aim is to compare peri-operative outcomes of EEP using thulium fiber laser (TFL) against high-power holmium laser (HPHL) in hands of experienced surgeons for large prostates (≥80 ml in volume). Secondary outcomes were assess complications within 1 year of follow up. Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with TFL or HPHL in 13 centers (January 2019-January 2023). Patients with prostate volume ≥80 ml were included, while those with concomitant prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, and pelvic radiotherapy were excluded. ResultsOf 1,929 included patients, HPHL was utilized in 1,459 and TFL in 470. After propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline characteristics, 247 patients from each group were analyzed. Overall operative time (90 [70, 120] vs. 52.5 [39, 93] min, P < 0.001) and enucleation time (90 [70, 105] vs. 38 [25, 70] min, P < 0.001) were longer in the TFL group, with comparable morcellation time (13 [10, 19.5] vs. 13 [10, 16.5] min, P = 0.914). In terms of postoperative outcomes, there were no differences in 30-day complications such as acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection or sepsis. In the PSM cohort, univariable analyses showed that higher age, lower preoperative Qmax, higher preoperative PVRU, and longer operation time were associated with higher odds of postoperative incontinence, while 2-lobe enucleation had lower odds of incontinence compared to 3-lobe enucleation. ConclusionsThis real-world study reaffirms that HPHL and TFL in large prostates are equally efficacious in terms of 30-day complications. TFL with the en-bloc technique has a shorter operative time which significantly improves short- and medium-term functional outcomes.

Robotic-Assisted Proctosigmoidectomy vs. Laparoscopic-Assisted Soave Pull-Through for Hirschsprung’s Disease: Medium-Term Outcomes From a Prospective Multicenter Study

Objective: To compare the surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted proctosigmoidectomy (RAP) and laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through (LAP) for children with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). Summary Background Data: LAP and RAP have been developed for minimally invasive pull-through of HD, but the clinical benefits of robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic-assisted approaches have yet to be proven in a multicenter prospective study. Methods: This study was a prospective multicenter clinical trial conducted on children with rectosigmoid/descending HD from July 2015 to June 2022, with registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000035220). The primary outcome was the medium-term functional outcomes in children aged ≥4 years based on bowel functional scores, which were assessed and compared between LAP and RAP. Results: A total of 328 consecutive patients (RAP=165, LAP=163) were approached who were considered eligible for elective minimally invasive endorectal pull-through, and 219 patients aged ≥4 years of age completed follow-up (RAP=109, LAP=110). The transanal dissection length and anal traction time were significantly shorter in RAP than those in LAP (0.30 cm vs. 3.70 cm, P &lt;0.001; 45 min vs. 62 min, P &lt;0.001). The RAP group had significantly lower urinary retention rate (0% vs. 5.52%, P=0.006), while other short-term results between two groups were not significantly different. The medium-term overall BFS scores were comparable between two groups; however, among the subgroup of children aged ≤ 3 months at surgery, the RAP group had better anal canal resting pressure at one year postoperatively and amounted to better annual POFC scores at 4-7 years old postoperatively (all P &lt;0.05). Conclusions: RAP and LAP should have similar medium-term bowel functional outcomes in HD children, but RAP may be associated with a slight functional benefit in infants operated on below age 3 months, requiring further investigation in larger case cohorts.

Retromalleolar Groove Deepening in Recurrent Peroneal Tendon dislocation: Short- and Medium-Term Functional Outcomes

Recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation is a rare and often underrecognized condition. It may result from acute injuries, more commonly seen in athletes, or from untreated ankle sprains leading to chronic ankle instability. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate short- and medium-term functional outcomes of the surgical technique involving deepening of the retromalleolar groove for the management of recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Nine patients, one of whom had bilateral dislocation, were enrolled in this study. The study group consisted of six males and three females, with a mean age of 31.2 years. CT scans were used to measure the depth of the neo-grooves, while the EFAS score (European Foot and Ankle Society Score) and AOFAS score (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score) were used to assess functional results. The medium follow-up period was 4.8 years. CT scan data revealed a mean increase of 4.69 mm in the depth of the neo-retromalleolar groove. AOFAS scores improved from a mean preoperative value of 74.4 to 86.9 after surgery, and EFAS scores increased from a mean preoperative score of 19.7 to 31. Statistical analysis of clinical scores yielded significant results with a p-value &lt; 0.005. All patients returned to their previous sports activities within an average time of 7.7 months, reporting no pain or limitations. There were no recurrences observed. The retromalleolar groove deepening technique demonstrated excellent results in the treatment of recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation, evidenced by significant improvements in clinical scores, functional recovery, successful return to sports, and high patient satisfaction.

The ceramic coated implant (CCI). Evolution total ankle replacements: a retrospective analysis of 40 ankles with 8 years follow-up.

Diminutive data is available on the outcome of several previously used total ankle replacement implants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term functional and radiological outcome and implant survival of the CCI Evolution implant. Consecutive series of 40 ankles operated in our hospital with primary TAR using the CCI Evolution implant in 2010-2013 were available for follow-up. The prospective clinical and radiographic data including the Kofoed score, subjective satisfaction and standard radiographs were collected preoperatively and at fixed time-points postoperatively. A CT was obtained in cases where osteolysis or loosening were suspected. The improvement of the Kofoed score and subjective satisfaction were statistically significant (p<0.0001). The implant survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81%-100 %) at 5 years, and 81 % (95% confidence interval (CI) 60 %-92%) at 8 years. There were altogether 25 (64%) complications. Overall revision rate was 28% and failure rate 13%. The CCI implant outcome was not acceptable. The malposition of prosthetic components, subsidence, and peri-implant osteolysis were recorded often. Although the patient reported outcome measures improved, mostly due to positive changes in pain severity, overall revision and failure rates were high and comparable with previous findings of the CCI implant.

Functional and radiographic analysis of a cohort of 48 Tactys® prostheses with an average follow-up of 5 years: A retrospective study

ObjectivesThe Tactys® prosthesis is an anatomical unconstrained sliding implant with 4 modular components, designed for proximal interphalangeal arthroplasty. The main objective of our study was to evaluate medium-term functional outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Materials and methodsForty-eight implants were studied, with a mean follow-up of 4.8 years. The study retrospectively analyzed functional, clinical and radiological results. Complications and re-interventions were also analyzed. ResultsQuick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores improved from 40.9 to 17.7 and from 47. 1 to 11 .2, respectively (p < 0.001) at last follow-up. Seventy-seven percent of patients rated their results as good or very good, and 83% were willing to undergo the procedure again. Pain on VAS improved significantly from 7.9 to 0.8/10 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in range of motion (53° vs 48°), grip strength (14.9 kgF vs 14.6 kgF), or pinch strength (3.4 kgF vs 3.4 kgF). There were no cases of fracture or loosening of implants. Periarticular ossification without functional impairment was observed in 31 patients. Axial deviation was generally corrected. Three surgical re-interventions were required, including 2 implant revisions using a silicone spacer. Five-year implant survival was 94%. ConclusionThe Tactys® prosthesis was a reliable and effective option for the management of proximal interphalangeal osteoarthritis. Patient satisfaction was generally good, with improvement in pain and function; however, longer-term follow-up is needed.

Prediction of Functional Outcome in Stroke Patients with Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions Using Machine Learning Models.

At present, clinicians are expected to manage a large volume of complex clinical, laboratory, and imaging data, necessitating sophisticated analytic approaches. Machine learning-based models can use this vast amount of data to create forecasting models. We aimed to predict short- and medium-term functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions using machine learning models with clinical, laboratory, and quantitative imaging data as inputs. Included were consecutive AIS patients with MCA M1 and proximal M2 occlusions. The XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, and Random Forest were used to predict the outcome. Minimum redundancy maximum relevancy was used for selecting features. The primary outcomes were the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) shift and the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days. The algorithm with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for predicting the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups at 90 days was LightGBM. Random Forest had the highest AUROC when predicting the favorable and unfavorable groups based on the NIHSS shift. Using clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters in conjunction with machine learning, we accurately predicted the functional outcome of AIS patients with proximal MCA occlusions.

Functional Outcomes of Dorsal Bridge Plating for Lisfranc Injuries With Routine Implant Retention: A Major Trauma Center Experience.

To assess medium-term functional outcomes and the complication profile for unstable Lisfranc injuries treated with dorsal bridge plate (DBP) fixation when implants are not routinely removed. Large single-center retrospective case series. Level-1 Trauma Center, London, United Kingdom. Consecutive cases of skeletally mature individuals with unstable Lisfranc injuries treated operatively between 2014 and 2019. Open reduction and DBP fixation with implants not routinely removed. Patient-reported outcome measures at final follow-up. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire summary index was the primary outcome measure. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale, complications, and all-cause reoperation rates were secondary outcome measures. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors that influenced outcomes. Eighty-five patients were included. Mean follow-up was 40.8 months (24-72). The mean Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Summary Index was 27.0 (SD 7.1) and mean AOFAS score 72.6 (SD 11.6). The presence of an intra-articular fracture was associated with poorer outcomes, with worse MOXFQ and AOFAS scores (both P < 0.001). Eighteen patients (21%) required implants removal, with this more likely in female patients (OR 3.89, 95% confidence interval, 1.27 to 12.0, P = 0.02). Eight patients (9%) required secondary arthrodesis. This is the largest series of Lisfranc injuries treated with DBP fixation reported to-date and the only to routinely retain implants. Medium-term outcomes are comparable to existing literature in which implants are routinely removed. The presence of an intra-articular fracture is a poor prognostic indicator. Implant removal is more likely to be needed in female patients. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention for prosthetic joint infection: comparison of outcomes between total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing.

The management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been widely studied in the context of total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the outcomes of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) for PJI have never been compared between hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) and THA. This led us to carry out a retrospective case-control study comparing the surgical treatment of post-operative infections between HRA and THA to determine the infection remission rate and the medium-term functional outcomes. This single-centre case-control study analysed 3056 HRA cases of which 13 patients had a PJI treated by DAIR. These patients were age-matched with 15 infected THA hips treated by DAIR and modular component exchange (controls). Their survival (no recurrence of the infection) was compared and factors that could affect the success of the DAIR were explored: sex, body mass index, age at surgery, presence of haematoma, type of bacteria present and antibiotic therapy. At a mean follow-up of fiveyears (2-7), the infection control rate was significantly higher in the HRA group (100% [13/13]) than in the THA group (67% [10/15]) (p = 0.044). More patients in the THA group had undergone early DAIR (< 30days) (73% [11/15]) than in the HRA group (54% [7/13]). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the ASA score, presence of comorbidities, body mass index and duration of the initial arthroplasty procedure. At the review, the Oxford-12 score of 17/60 (12-28) was better in the HRA group than the score of 25/60 (12-40) in the THA group (p = 0.004). DAIR, no matter the time frame, is a viable therapeutic option for infection control after HRA.

Outcomes of tibial pilon fracture fixation based on four-column theory

ObjectivesTo assess the medium-term functional and radiological outcomes, as well as injury mechanisms, fracture patterns and demographics of typical pilon fractures and pilon variant fractures treated based on the four-column theory in adults. MethodsA retrospective comparative study was performed. Demographics of typical pilon and pilon variant fractures, injury mechanisms, OTA/AO classification, Rüedi-Allgöwer and the four-column classification were analyzed for the cohort. Radiographic ankle arthrosis (modified Kellgren-Lawrence 3/4), Burwell Charnley Score, and AOFAS score were also analyzed. ResultsThere were 142 pilon fractures met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study, of which 77(54.23%) were females and 65 (45.77%) were males, with an average of 48 (range, 18-86)years. One hundred twenty-five posterior columns fractured in 142 pilon fractures, and the posterior columns were most prone to fractures. Ninety cases of posterior pilon fractures in 142 pilon fractures were single posterior column fractures with or without medial or lateral malleolar fractures. The average age (51, range, 18-86 years) of low-energy pilon fractures was older than the average age (42, range, 19-66 years) of high-energy pilon fractures significantly. The average time (5, range, 0-17 days) from injury to definitive internal fixation of the low-energy group was shorter than the average time (9, range, 0-21 days) from injury to definitive internal fixation of the high-energy group significantly. The average of AOFAS (87, range, 56-100) of the low-energy group is higher than the average of AOFAS (82, range, 47-100) of the high-energy group significantly. There were more male patients and more die-punch or intercalary fractures in high energy groups significantly. There were more medial and lateral malleolar fractures in low-energy groups. Compared with the non-multiple column group, the multiple-column group had more Rüedi-Allgöwer type III cases, more modified Kellgren-Lawrence 3/4 cases and lower AOFAS score significantly. However, the numbers of Burwell Charnley Score type 1 and 2 cases were not significantly different between the two groups. ConclusionsKinds of pilon variants should be recognized. Outcomes of high-energy pilon fractures were worse than low-energy pilon fractures. The four-column theory can be applied to typical pilon fracture and pilon variants in adults.

Irreversible Electroporation of Carcinoma of the Prostate Gland with a Focus on Localized Carcinoma of the Prostate Gland: A Review and Update

Irreversible Electroporation of Carcinoma of the Prostate Gland with a Focus on Localized Carcinoma of the Prostate Gland: A Review and Update

Medium term anatomical and functional outcomes following modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

We evaluated the anatomical and functional outcomes following modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) utilizing deep dissection of the vaginal walls and distal mesh fixation at the anterior and posterior compartments. We hypothesized that anatomical and functional outcomes improve after this modified LSC technique. This was a retrospective study of all women (n = 240) who underwent LSC for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) from January to December 2017 in a tertiary center. POP-Q staging, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-Short Form), and uroflowmetry were used to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using McNemar test and repeated measures analysis of variance with Fisher's least significant difference post hoc (p < 0.05). The anatomical success rate is 96%, with a prolapse recurrence rate of 3.8% at 3-year follow-up. Bulge symptoms and anatomical compartments were significantly improved after LSC. Clinically, there were significant improvements after LSC in voiding dysfunction and bowel symptoms. Also, there was a significant increase in stress urinary incontinence and non-significant decrease in mixed urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. ICIQ-SF and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory 8 scores were significantly lower after LSC, signifying improvement in incontinence and bowel symptoms. Our modified LSC technique is safe and effective in restoring level 1 and level 2 supports, without adverse effects on urinary and bowel function. Bladder and bowel symptoms have also been found to keep improving over time.

Description of Surgical Technique and Oncologic and Functional Outcomes of the Precision Prostatectomy Procedure (IDEAL Stage 1–2b Study)

BackgroundThe existing treatment options for men with intermediate- or high-volume low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) are associated with a substantial risk of over- or undertreatment. The development of risk-adjusted therapies is an unmet need for these patients. ObjectiveTo describe our novel technique of precision prostatectomy, a form of surgical focal therapy that allows radical excision of the index PCa lesion along with >90% prostatic tissue extirpation while preserving the prostatic capsule and seminal vesicle/vas deferens complex on the side contralateral to the dominant cancer lesion, and to report on medium-term functional and oncologic outcomes in the first 88 consecutive men who underwent this procedure between December 2016 and January 2020. Design, setting, and participantsMen with (1) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤20 ng/ml, (2) clinical T stage ≤cT2, (3) a dominant unilateral lesion with Gleason ≤ 4 + 3 disease with any number or percentage of cores involved ipsilaterally on prostate biopsy, (4) no primary Gleason ≥4 lesion contralaterally, and (5) a preoperative Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM) score of ≥17 (out of 25) with/without phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor use who consented to undergo precision prostatectomy were included in this single-arm, single-center, IDEAL stage 2b prospective development study. InterventionRobotic precision prostatectomy. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe safety and urinary, sexual, and oncologic outcomes of the precision prostatectomy technique were studied. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess 12-mo urinary continence (0–1 pad), 12-mo sexual potency (SHIM score ≥17), 36-mo freedom from clinically significant PCa (grade group ≥2), secondary treatments, metastatic disease, and mortality. Results and limitationsAt study entry, the median age, PSA, and SHIM score were 60.0 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 54.2–65.9), 5.7 ng/ml (IQR 4.2–7.1), and 22 points (IQR 19–24), respectively. The median follow-up was 25 mo (IQR 14–38). At 12 mo, all patients were continent (0–1 pads), with 90.9% of patients using 0 pads. The median time to urinary continence was 1 mo (IQR 1–4). At 12 mo, 85% of all-comers and 90.2% of the preoperatively potent men were potent. The median time to sexual potency was 4 mo (IQR 4–12). From an oncologic standpoint, at 36 mo an estimated 93.4% of the patients were free from clinically significant residual PCa and 91.7% had not undergone any additional treatment. All patients were alive and free of metastatic disease at 36 mo. ConclusionsPrecision prostatectomy is technically safe and reproducible and offers excellent postoperative functional results. At 36-mo follow-up, the oncologic outcomes and secondary treatment rates appear to be superior to existing ablative focal therapy results. Pending long-term data, a risk-stratified surgical approach to PCa may avoid whole-gland therapy and preserve functional quality of life in men with localized PCa. Patient summaryPrecision prostatectomy is a new form of focal therapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer in which a 5–10-mm rim of prostate capsule is left on the opposite side of the gland to where the dominant cancer is located. The technique appears to be safe and efficacious and adds to the growing armamentarium of risk-adapted therapies for treatment of localized prostate cancer that avoid the adverse effects on urinary and erectile function of whole-gland treatments.

The Syringe External Fixator: Short- and Medium-Term Functional Outcomes From This Inexpensive and Customizable Treatment for Comminuted Intra-Articular Fractures of the Hand

Comminuted intra-articular fractures and fracture dislocations of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal joints are challenging. Dynamic external fixation, permitting early joint motion while still minimizing forces across the healing joint, can result in acceptable postoperative active range of motion (AROM). However, some fractures are not initially stable enough for early dynamic motion; further, many available dynamic external fixation systems are costly and cumbersome. We reviewed our experience using an external fixator made from a 1-mL syringe and K-wires and report outcomes using it as a static fixator, dynamic fixator, or configured as a static fixator and then converted to a dynamic fixator in the clinic. Patients with intra-articular fractures and fracture dislocations of the MCP and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints treated between 2014 and 2020 using syringe external fixators were retrospectively reviewed. We reviewed demographics, mechanisms, treatment types and durations, and postoperative AROM, as well as complications including infection, pin loosening, nonunion, hardware failure, and need for further surgery. Patients were analyzed by the level of joint injury (MCP versus PIP) and by treatment pattern. After excluding 23 patients with 25 joint injuries who were lost to follow-up or had inadequate outcome data, 27 patients with 29 joint injuries were reviewed. The average follow-up was 171 days after surgery. The postoperative AROM at the MCP level averaged 55° for static fixation and 30° for static-to-dynamic fixation. The postoperative AROM at the PIP level averaged 64° for static fixation, 66° for static-to-dynamic fixation, and 80° for dynamic fixation. Three pin site infections and 2 loose pins were reported. The syringe external fixator is an inexpensive, effective, and customizable treatment for intra-articular MCP and interphalangeal fractures and fracture dislocations, and results in acceptable postoperative AROM outcomes and complication rates. Therapeutic IV.

Reader Response: Association of Time of Day When Endovascular Therapy for Stroke Starts and Functional Outcome

We read with great interest the recent article by Hajdu et al.1 in which the authors investigated the association between the onset time of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients and evaluated medium-term functional outcomes. The research finds that those patients who were operated on between the 8:00 and 12:00 am hours had better results, compared with those who were operated on in the afternoon or night hours. This finding is very curious considering the hypothesis proposed by Kario et al.2 based on the neurobiology of blood pressure, which describes that cerebrovascular events tend to occur in the day because of adrenergic shock, while they are reduced at night by cholinergic regulation.2

Geriatric Assessments Can Predict Functional Outcome and Mortality after Urological Tumor Surgery

Introduction: Older patients undergoing major urological tumor surgery are at severe risk of functional deterioration, complications, and mortality. We prospectively evaluated geriatric assessment tools and developed a novel easy-to-use assessment tool for clinical use. Methods: In 159 patients, geriatric assessment tools were used prior to cystectomy, prostatectomy, and renal tumor surgery, and their peri- and postoperative courses were recorded. Using all the tests, a short and easy-to-use assessment tool was developed, and nomograms were generated to predict functional outcomes and mortality. Results: Of all the patients, 13.8% underwent radical cystectomy, 37.7% underwent radical prostatectomy, and 48.4% underwent tumor surgery of the kidney at the age of 70 years or older. The average age was 75.6 years. Incomplete functional recovery at day 30 and day 180 was observed in 37.7% and 36.1% of the patients, respectively, and incomplete functional recovery was associated with impaired mobility, previous care dependency, frailty, comorbidities, and a high ASA score. The only predictor for high-grade complications was comorbidities, whereas mortality was associated with the geriatric screening tool scores, impaired mobility, preoperative care dependency, and comorbidities. The Erlangen Index (EI), a combination of the selected assessment tools, showed a good prediction of early (p = 0.002) and medium-term (p = 0.002) functional outcomes and mortality (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our prospective evaluation confirms the high risk of incomplete functional recovery, high-grade complications, and mortality in older patients undergoing major urological tumor surgery. The EI is an easy-to-use preoperative assessment tool and therefore should be used in preoperative patient counseling.

ASPECT scores of patients with focal intracerebral hemorrhage were correlated with their short- and medium-term functional outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) is widely used to guide thrombolytic therapy and predict the functional outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Whether ASPECTS can predict the functional outcome of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ASPECTS-H) remains unclear. Methods Patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were collected and retrospectively analyzed. ASPECTS-H was assessed at admission. Patients were followed up at 30 days and 90 days after the onset of ICH. Occurrence of death within 90 days after ICH was the primary endpoint. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 was considered a poor functional outcome. Results A total of 149 patients met eligibility criteria; 61 (40.9%) had poor functional outcome at 30 days, and 37 (24.8%) had poor functional outcome at 90 days. Using binary logistic regression modeling, we found that a low ASPECTS-H was associated with a poor functional outcome. The risk ratio of a low ASPECTS-H was 2.31 at 30 days (P = 0.000; 95% CI, 1.560–3.421) and 2.711 at 90 days (P = 0.000; 95% CI, 1.677–4.381). The optimal cutoff value of ASPECTS-H to discriminate good and poor 30-day and 90-day outcomes was 7.5 (Sensitivity30-day = 0.636, 1-Specificity30 – day = 0.311; Sensitivity90-day = 0.580, 1-Specificity90-day = 0.270). Conclusions A low ASPECTS-H was an indicator of poor short-term and long-term functional outcomes of ICH.

Cataract surgery in patients with history of uveitis - medium term functional outcomes

Aim: Evaluating the functional outcomes in patients with history of uveitis who previously underwent cataract surgery during 2009-2019, analysis of the best postoperative visual acuity and IOP after first day, one month, 3 months and last postoperative. Material and methods: Comparative/retrospective study which included cataract surgery patients with a history of uveitis evaluated between January 2009 and December 2019 in Iasi, Department of Ophthalmology, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital. The study included a number of 102 eyes divided into two groups: 59 eyes from 51 patients (25 women and 26 men) the cataract and uveitis group (study group) and 43 cataract eyes (control group). All patients had cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification and IOL-PC implantation, while the pre- and postoperative evaluation was performed according to a standardized protocol. The database was built in the EXCEL program and was statistically processed with the SPSS 18.0 program. Postoperative follow-up was performed at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and last postoperative follow up (six month). Results: The average age of patients of the 2 groups was 65 years. In all cases, preoperative topical steroid anti-inflammatory treatment was administered for 1 week and postoperatively, for 6 weeks. General anti-inflammatory steroids (CSR) were administered preoperatively and postoperatively in 9 patients with intermediate or posterior uveitis for 8 weeks. In two cases a capsular tension ring was used to stabilize the bag. One case required ECCE + placement of IOL in the sulcus. Only one case required IOL explantation due to severe inflammation. Among the postoperative complications, the inflammatory glaucoma and recurrent uveitis predominated. Conclusions: Cataract surgery with IOL implantation resulted in improved postoperative visual acuity in patients with cataract and uveitis, which was maintained at the last follow-up. In the immediate postoperative period, both groups had similar functional results.