Need For Subsequent Intervention Research Articles

A Novel Surgical Technique in Feminizing Genital Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Case Series

Background: Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) encompass congenital conditions with inconsistencies between sex chromosomes, gonads, and sexual anatomy. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a genitoplasty technique in DSD patients, focusing on functionality and cosmetics. Methods: A prospective cohort case series was conducted at a university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ten DSD patients underwent genitoplasty procedures with excision of urogenital membrane and use of local flap of labia minora for reconstruction. Data, including demographic information, operative findings, immediate and delayed postoperative information, were collected. Results: The single-stage genitoplasty technique demonstrated improved delayed cosmetic outcomes. Patients undergoing single-stage genitoplasty with excision of urogenital membrane and use of local flap of labia minora for reconstruction. This approach yielded superior long-term aesthetic outcomes, eliminating the need for additional surgeries. Conclusion: The new novel technique showed delayed satisfactory cosmetic outcomes compared to the previous one. Additionally, the new technique significantly reduced the need for subsequent interventions, such as second genitoplasty. These findings support the potential benefits of the new novel technique in improving long-term outcomes for individuals with DSD.

Ureteric Clipping for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Girls With Ectopic Ureters: Predicting Who Is Going to Dilate and Does It Matter?

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and midterm follow up of laparoscopic upper pole ectopic ureteral clipping to treat urinary incontinence in girls with duplex kidneys and non/poorly functioning upper pole moieties. To see if pre-operative characteristics increased the likelihood of significant post-operative dilatation and whether this dilation has clinical significance. MethodsA database review identified children who had undergone ureteric clipping at our institution. Patient details assessed included: age at presentation, age at procedure, significant past medical history, pre-operative investigations, operative time, length of stay, post-operative symptoms, post-operative renal tract ultrasound findings and the need for subsequent intervention. ResultsSix girls underwent clipping between March 2018 - May 2021. The mean age at presentation and surgery were 77months (39-186) and 86months (44-193) respectively. The mean operative time was 94 minutes (range 66-128 minutes). The median length of stay was 1 day (range 0-3 days). All the girls were dry immediately after the procedure. During a mean follow up of 51 months (29-66) all children have remained symptom free and required no further intervention. Two children have developed significant (>30mm) but stable ureteric dilatation after clipping but have remained asymptomatic and therefore are continuing on conservative follow up. Both these children had dilated ureters (>10mm) pre operatively. Conclusion:Ureteric clipping is quick, safe and effective option in dealing with incontinence due to ectopic upper pole ureters in girls. Children with pre-operative ureteric dilation seem to be at increased risk of post-operative dilation. However, as they remain asymptomatic, the clinical significance of this dilatation is unclear.

Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse Severity Scoring System: A Call Out for an Overall Severity Determination.

Severe excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) is defined as airway narrowing due to posterior wall protrusion into the airway lumen, >90%. We aimed to establish an overall severity score to assess severe EDAC and the need for subsequent intervention. A retrospective study of patients who underwent dynamic bronchoscopy for evaluation of expiratory central airway collapse between January 2019 and July 2021. A numerical value was given to each tracheobronchial segmental collapse: 0 points (<70%), 1 point (70% to 79%), 2 points (80% to 89%), and 3 points (>90%) to be added for an overall EDAC severity score per patient. We compared the score among patients who underwent stent trials (severe EDAC) and those who did not. Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, a cutoff total score to predict severe EDAC was calculated. One hundred fifty-eight patients were included. Patients were divided into severe (n = 60) and nonsevere (n = 98) EDAC. A cutoff of 9 as the total score had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 74% to predict severe EDAC, based on an area under the curve 0.888 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.93; P < 0.001). Our EDAC Severity Scoring System was able to discern between severe and nonsevere EDAC by an overall score cutoff of 9, with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting severe disease and the need for further intervention, in our institution.

Tissue Engineering in Maxillofacial Region from Past to Present

Abstract Tissue engineering is a branch of regenerative medicine that is frequently regarded as the most cutting-edge medical and surgical technology accessible today. Tissue engineering is used to repair or replace tissue damage caused by disease, injury, or surgery. Stem cells, signaling molecules, and scaffolds must be synthesized and integrated to create organs that imitate the tissues they replace. Tissue engineering in plastic surgery reduces the extent of surgical defects by incorporating mesenchymal tissue or bio-artificial body tissue, which can replace damaged tissue in the body without the need for subsequent intervention. With the introduction of three-dimensional printers for scaffold models and current tissue engineering technology to restore muscles, bones, and cartilage in the lab, tissue engineering is no longer limited to cells and tissues. Although these methods appear to be beneficial, their use is limited to large tissue development, which might cause significant problems. The purpose of this review is to inform readers on the current state of tissue engineering and reconstruction, as well as its limitations and future prospects.

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316. OMISSION OF ROUTINE PYLORIC PROCEDURES IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY: WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON PERI-OPERATIVE OUTCOMES?

Abstract Pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy is often undertaken during esophagectomy to improve conduit function and potentially reduce complications. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) frequently omits a pyloric procedure. The impact on peri-operative outcomes and the need for subsequent interventions on the pylorus are unclear. This study assesses the requirements for endoscopic balloon dilation of the pylorus (EPD) following MIE. Patients undergoing MIE from 2016–2020 were reviewed. Patients undergoing hybrid or open resection, or an intraoperative pyloric procedure were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data were reviewed. Data on the need for post-operative EPD in the short- and long-term settings were recorded. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed as appropriate. 171 patients underwent MIE. There were no differences in age (p = 0.6), stage (p = 0.10) or ASA status (p = 0.52) between those requiring and not requiring EPD. Forty-three patients (25%) required EPD. Twenty-seven patients (16%) had EPD on their index admission. Seventy-five patients (43%) had a post-operative complication. There was a correlation between complications and the requirement for EPD both on the index admission (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and subsequently (p &amp;lt; 0.001). On multivariable analysis, there was no association between EPD and overall survival (p = 0.14). Eight patients (5%) required insertion of a feeding jejunostomy. Two patients underwent surgical pyloromyotomy for delayed gastric emptying. Although pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy can safely be excluded during MIE, a quarter of patients will require post-operative EPD procedures, for delayed gastric emptying or as part of management of post-operative complications. The impact of excluding pyloric procedures on gastric emptying requires further study.

Omission of intraoperative pyloric procedures in minimally invasive esophagectomy: assessing the impact on patients.

Pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy is often undertaken during esophagectomy to aid gastric emptying postoperatively. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) frequently omits a pyloric procedure. The impact on perioperative outcomes and the need for subsequent interventions is unclear. This study assesses the requirements for endoscopic balloon dilation of the pylorus (EPD) following MIE. Patients undergoing MIE from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed. Patients undergoing open resection, or an intraoperative pyloric procedure were excluded. Demographic, clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed as appropriate. In total, 171 patients underwent MIE. There were no differences in age (median 65 vs. 65years, P= 0.6), pathological stage (P= 0.10) or ASA status (P= 0.52) between those requiring and not requiring endoscopic pyloric dilation (EPD). Forty-three patients (25%) required EPD, with a total of 71 procedures. Twenty-seven patients (16%) had EPD on their index admission. Seventy-five patients (43%) had a postoperative complication. Higher ASA status was associated with increased requirement for EPD (odds ratio 10.8, P= 0.03). On multivariable analysis, there was no association between the need for a pyloric procedure and overall survival (P= 0.14). Eight patients (5%) required insertion of a feeding jejunostomy in the postoperative period, with no difference between those with or without EPD (P= 0.11). Two patients required subsequent surgical pyloromyotomy for delayed gastric emptying. Although pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy can safely be excluded during MIE, a quarter of patients will require postoperative EPD procedures. The impact of excluding pyloric procedures on gastric emptying requires further study.

Lower eyelid margin reconstruction: results of five different techniques

ABSTRACT Purpose This retrospective study was performed to examine surgical results of five different techniques for lower eyelid margin reconstruction after Mohs surgery: primary closure, semicircular flap, dermal matrix graft, sliding tarsal flap, and tarsoconjunctival flap. Methods Medical records were reviewed in 178 patients undergoing surgery between 2005 and 2020. Outcomes were evaluated (photographic review) by three oculoplastic observers masked to procedure type, both with and without knowledge of the eyelid defect. Results All patients achieved a good-excellent functional result and 90.4% were asymptomatic after surgery. Tarsoconjunctival flaps were associated with greater need for subsequent interventions (p < .001) and anterior lamellar deformities (p < .001). Semicircular flaps had a higher incidence of lateral canthal deformity (p < .001), but less eyelash disruption than other flap/graft techniques (p < .001). Mean cosmetic ratings (defect masked) were similar for dermal matrix grafts, semicircular, and sliding tarsal flaps; with each grading higher than tarsoconjunctival flaps (p ≤ .05). Among patients with 9–15 mm wide defects, results were better for semicircular and sliding tarsalflaps, than dermal matrix grafts (p ≤ .005) and tarsoconjunctival flaps (p ≤ .02). Conclusions All patients achieved a good-excellent functional result and 87.1% a good-excellent cosmetic result. The semicircular flap was effective for repairing medium sized wounds that could not be closed primarily, creating a continuous lash line, although with a higher incidence of lateral canthal deformities. The sliding tarsal flap was effective for shallow wounds of varying widths. The single-staged dermal matrix graft provided similar results as the tarsoconjunctival flap. Subsequent interventions were more frequent after the tarsoconjunctival flap than other methods.

Severity of traumatic adrenal injury does not meaningfully affect clinical outcomes.

There are limited data comparing the severity of traumatic adrenal injury (TAI) and the need for interventions, such as transfusions, hospitalization, or incidence of adrenal insufficiency (AI) and other clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the grade of TAI and the need for subsequent intervention and clinical outcomes following the injury. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, our trauma registry was queried for patients with TAI between 2009 and 2017. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations of the abdomen and pelvis were evaluated by a board-certified radiologist with subspecialty expertise in abdominal and trauma imaging, and adrenal injuries were classified as either low grade (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade I-III) or high grade (AAST grade IV-V). Patients without initial contrast-enhanced CT imaging and those with indeterminate imaging findings on initial CT were excluded. A total of 129 patients with 149 TAI were included. Eight-six patients demonstrated low-grade injuries and 43 high grade. Age, gender, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were not statistically different between the groups. There was an increased number of major vascular injuries in the low-grade vs. high-grade group (23% vs. 5%, p < 0.01). No patient required transfusions or laparotomy for control of adrenal hemorrhage. There was no statistical difference in hospital length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, or mortality. Low-grade adrenal injuries were, however, associated with shorter ICU LOS (10days vs. 16days, p = 0.03). The need for interventions and clinical outcomes between the low-grade and high-grade groups was similar. These results suggest that, regardless of the TAI grade, treatment should be based on a holistic clinical assessment and less focused on specific interventions directed at addressing the adrenal injury.

Incidence of Procedure-Related Complications in Patients Treated With Atherectomy in the Femoropopliteal and Tibial Vessels in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Purpose: To compare procedural complications in patients undergoing atherectomy plus angioplasty (A+A) and plain balloon angioplasty (POBA). Materials and Methods: Patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry undergoing first-time peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) were included. Those undergoing aortoiliac or pedal interventions, primary stenting, or hybrid procedures were excluded. Patients were stratified by lesion location (femoropopliteal [FP] or tibial [TIB]). The primary outcomes were target vessel dissection, distal embolization, and provisional stent placement. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and the need for subsequent interventions. Results: 12 499 patients undergoing FP (49.6% A+A) and 6736 patients undergoing TIB (17.0% A+A) interventions were identified. In the FP group, A+A was associated with greater intraoperative target vessel dissection (4.5% vs 2.6%, p<0.001), distal embolization (1.5% vs 0.7%, p =0.001), and provisional stent placement (1.5% vs 0%, p<0.001); and greater postoperative target vessel dissection (4.2% vs 2.0%, p<0.001) and distal embolization (0.9% vs 0.4%, p=0.034). In the TIB group, A+A was associated with fewer intraoperative vessel dissection (0.8% vs 2.3%, p=0.011) but greater provisional stent placement (0.3% vs 0%, p<0.001). TIB A+A was also associated with higher rates of technical success (97.6% vs 95.1%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Atherectomy was associated with increased procedural-related complications in femoropopliteal, but not in tibial vessels. Future studies addressing lesion morphology, device design, and technique may help define its role in peripheral vascular interventions.

Postero-superior tube in a grooved bone vs. transtympanic tube for middle ear ventilation: a retrospective study comparing outcomes in the Lebanese pediatric population

Background Myringotomy with trans-tympanic T-tube (TTT) placement is the most common surgical procedure performed in children. Finding a technique that provides longer aeration periods, lower complications rates, and less need for subsequent interventions will help the healthcare system from preventable events. Objectives To compare the efficiency and complications rates of the traditional TTT to those of the novel postero-superior tubes in a grooved bone (TGB) for long-term middle ear ventilation in children suffering from recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM), or chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). Methods A total of 200 pretreated ears (96 by TGB and 104 by TTT), were examined after at least 3 years. Data concerning tube condition, and ear outcomes were collected. Pre- and post-operative audiograms were also performed. Results TGB remained in place for longer periods, and it resulted in significantly lower rates of persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation (0% vs. 30.8%), TM retraction (14.6% vs. 32.7%), myringosclerosis (12.5% vs. 38.4%), otorrhea (29.2% vs. 52.9%), and need for topical antibiotics (31.3% vs. 51%). It has also resulted in more significant reduction in the air–bone gap on audiograms. Conclusions and significance TGB could be an effective and safe option for middle ear ventilation following COME or RAOM in children.

A112 VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY REGISTRY OF ONTARIO (VCERO) - RETROSPECTIVE PHASE (NORTHERN ONTARIO REGION)

AimsThe primary aim of this project is to determine the feasibility of establishing and maintaining a registry of all video capsule endoscopy procedures performed at a large regional center. Secondary aims include the determination of indications for capsule endoscopy, quality measures, and procedural outcomes at a large regional center and the comparison of these metrics to other locations globally.MethodsA retrospective collection and analysis of all video capsule endoscopies performed at Health Sciences North in Sudbury Ontario between 2016 and 2020 has been performed. Information was collected with the aid of a standardized data collection tool and stored under anonymized patient profiles. Once this pilot registry was created, data was pooled for further analysis. Data regarding indications for capsule endoscopy, patient factors, previous investigations, anticoagulant usage, procedure interpretation, need for subsequent interventions, and need for blood transfusion among others was then established for this group. Findings were then compared to previously published regional and global norms where available.ResultsIn total 98 video capsule endoscopies encompassing 94 individual patients have been catalogued at the end of the study period. With available information through individual patient records, complete information for all fields of the standardized collection tool was obtained for 91 individual patients. The most common indications for VCE include gastro-intestinal bleeding (38%), anemia (38%), Crohn’s disease (13%) and abdominal pain (3%). In total, 45% of all procedures noted an acute finding in the report. Of VCE performed for gastro-intestinal bleeding, 50% reported on an acute finding while in those performed for anemia, 47% reported on an acute finding. Mortality during the study period was 12% while there was 1 documented incident of capsule retention. The rate of acute findings is greater than previously published international studies.ConclusionsThis project has established the feasibility of the creation of a regional capsule endoscopy registry. Further work to expand the patient pool as well as move to a prospective collection model are reasonable next steps to expand this project. We have also demonstrated significant differences regarding indications for VCE as well as the rate of significant findings of VCE of a our northern cohort compared to previously reported international sites. In particular the high rate of significant findings in anemia warrants further investigations.Funding AgenciesNone

Outcomes of intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta.

The optimal treatment of intramural hematoma (IMH) involving the ascending aorta remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the results of the management of patients with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta, to compare outcomes of descending thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with that of medical therapy (MT), and to assess the risk factors associated with adverse aortic events. We retrospectively analyzed all patients diagnosed with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta from January 2012 to December 2019. The primary end points during follow-up were aortic disease-related death and adverse aorta-related events that required surgical or endovascular treatment, such as aortic rupture, the progression of aortic disease, or endoleak. We identified a total of 135 patients with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta, of whom 104 underwent descending TEVAR (group 1) and 31 were managed with MT (group 2). Freedom from adverse aorta-related events at 1, 3, and 5years was significantly higher for patients who underwent descending TEVAR compared with those managed with MT (89.2%, 88.2%, and 84.0% vs 74.2%, 74.2%, and 74.2%, respectively; P= .026). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for patients in the descending TEVAR group was 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, which was significantly higher than the survival of the MT group: 93.5%, 93.5%, and 81.9%, respectively (P= .002). On a univariate analysis among patients receiving MT, those who suffered adverse aorta-related events showed a higher prevalence of renal insufficiency (55.6% vs 9.1%; P= .003). In MT patients, multivariate analysis showed that renal insufficiency was the only independent risk factor associated with adverse aorta-related events (hazard ratio, 8.691; 95% confidence interval, 2.056-36.737; P= .003). Based on our study, compared with MT, descending TEVAR might be the more favorable treatment for patients with IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta. Patients with renal insufficiency are more likely to experience adverse aorta-related events, which implies the need for subsequent intervention or an increased risk of mortality. The risk factor would be helpful for clinical decision-making.

Broadening candidate office circumcision patients: A comparison of outcome in children based on age and weight

Office circumcision with a clamp or Plastibell device is often restricted in practice by patient age and size. This is thought to ensure the patient fits appropriately on the restraining device and limit complications. To compare the outcomes of office circumcision in children ≤3 months of age and ≤5.1kg in weight to those who do not fit this criterion. A retrospective chart review was performed of all office circumcisions in children ≤6 months of age performed in our urology clinic between January 2015-August 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (≤3 months old and ≤5.1kg) and Group 2 (all others). Patient demographics and circumcision technique were recorded. The number of patients with complications and requiring an intervention related to circumcision were compared between groups, as well as the number of patients requiring unplanned hospital visits. Differences in outcomes were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test. A total of 205 circumcisions were performed in Group 1 and 498 circumcisions were performed in Group 2. All circumcisions were performed by either Gomco clamp or Plastibell device with no significant difference in method between groups (p=0.5). There was no difference in median follow-up between groups (Group 1: 19 days [IQR 14; 34]; Group 2: 19 days [IQR 14; 36]; p=0.6). There were no significant differences between groups in the number patients with complications or requiring an intervention (p=0.08 and p=0.12, respectively). Significantly more patients in Group 2 required an unplanned hospital visit (p=0.02) (Table). After categorizing those composing Group 2 into three disjoint sets (children >3 months and ≤5.1kg, or ≤3 months and >5.1kg, or >3 months and >5.1kg), no significant difference across all four groups in regards to complications (p=0.12) or intervention (p=0.2) was found. There was a significant difference in unplanned hospital visits (p<0.001). Performing office circumcisions in children outside of age and weight restrictions of ≤3 months and ≤5.1kg did not significantly increase the risk of complications or need for interventions. Those outside of age and weight restrictions, however, had more unplanned hospital visits. Tailoring parent expectations in this patient group may be needed. While we found older and heavier children had more unplanned post-procedural related hospital visits, their rates of overall complications and need for subsequent interventions were not significantly higher than younger and lighter children.

Decreased Leak Rate and Need for Reintervention with Use of Closed Suction Calibration System: a Bariatric Surgery Quality Improvement Project.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) continues to grow in popularity as a primary bariatric procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine if leak rates and need for subsequent interventions are changed by the standardized use of a closed suction calibration system (CSCS) at a high-volume urban hospital. A retrospective review was conducted between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, on SG patients. All cases performed in 2018 were completed with a closed suction calibration system. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative variables, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared test were used to compare the two groups. Logistic regression models were adjusted for patient- and procedure-specific factors. Four hundred ninety cases were performed before and 195 after institution of the CSCS. Groups were similar in most characteristics, including median body mass index (BMI) (46.4 vs 45.8kg/m2, p = 0.79). Those in the closed suction cohort were more likely to have OSA requiring therapy (32.4% vs 46.6%, p < 0.01) and to have their cases performed robotically (55.4% vs 39.6%, p = 0.02). Post introduction of the CSCS, the overall leak rate was 0% (1.4% vs 0%, p = 0.09); overall need for postoperative interventions decreased (9.6% vs 2.6%, p = 0.009). After adjustment, a 69% decrease was observed in need for related additional intervention [aOR 0.31 (0.12-0.81), p = 0.017]. The use of a standardized closed suction calibration system resulted in overall decreased leak rates, which was associated with a clinically significant decrease in additional interventions.

Safety and Performance of Transbronchial Cryobiopsy for Parenchymal Lung Lesions

Despite advances in technology, the bronchoscopic diagnosis of parenchymal pulmonary lesions (PPLs) remains difficult to achieve. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TLCB) offers the potential for larger samples with improved diagnostic yield; however, a paucity of data exists describing its safety and usefulness for the diagnosis of PPL. What is the safety profile of TLCB for PPL? An observational, retrospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled patients without endobronchial disease undergoing TLCB of PPL from 2015 through 2019. All procedures were performed using both rigid and flexible bronchoscopy with a flexible cryoprobe. Complication rates, including bleeding and pneumothorax rates, were collected. Bleeding was graded on a scale from 0 (trace) to 4 (requiring surgical intervention) with a grade of≥ 3 considered clinically significant. Pneumothorax, tube thoracostomy placement, diagnostic yield, and need for subsequent interventions were recorded. One thousand twenty-four patients underwent TLCB. One hundred eighty-eight patients (18%) experienced bleeding; in 36 patients (3.5%), the bleeding was clinically significant. Sixty-eight patients (6.6%) demonstrated a pneumothorax and 64 patients (6.3%) required drainage with tube thoracostomy. All chest drains were removed within 4days, and no cases of prolonged air leak occurred. A definitive diagnosis was achieved in 932 patients (91%). Adenocarcinoma (46%) and metastatic disease (21%) were the most common diagnoses. TLCB showed an acceptable safety profile and diagnostic yield for the evaluation of PPL in this large retrospective cohort. Prospective clinical trials are underway to validate these findings further.

Clinical Outcomes of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer With Gross Extrathyroidal Extension Into the Strap Muscles: A Case Control Study

Background: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/tumor-node-metastasis (AJCC/TNM) staging system for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), implemented in January 2018, classifies patients >/= 55 years of age with gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE) of the primary tumor into the overlying strap muscles as prognostic stage II. However, it remains controversial as to whether or not gross ETE into the strap muscles is an independent predictor of recurrence, response to therapy, need for additional therapies, or overall survival. Using a case control study design, we evaluated the prognostic significance of gross ETE among adults. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, we used the tumor registry at our institution to retrospectively identify 51 AJCC stage II patients with DTC aged >/= 55 years with gross ETE into only the strap muscles (51/2,225 patients). For each of the 51 cases, we identified one control who matched on all of the following important prognostic factors: age at diagnosis (± 5 years), sex, histology, size of tumor (± 1 cm), lymph node metastases, distant metastases, completeness of resection, receipt of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and duration of follow-up (± 5 years). The controls (n=51) had no gross ETE. Results: In the 51 patients with gross ETE into only the strap muscles, the mean age at diagnosis was 64 years, 77% were female, 37% had lymph node metastases, and none had distant metastases. The average tumor size was 2.1 cm with the majority of patients (49/51) demonstrating papillary thyroid carcinoma (1 follicular thyroid carcinoma and 1 Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma). Only 6% of patients (3/51) had incomplete resections and 92% (47/51) received RAI therapy. The mean duration of follow-up was 8 years.There were no statistically significant differences between the cases and controls on each of the pre-specified prognostic variables described in the methods. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of rates of recurrence: cases 18% (9/51) and controls 29% (15/51) (p=0.24), best response to initial therapy (excellent, biochemical incomplete, structural incomplete, or indeterminate response to therapy), and need for subsequent interventions including surgery, RAI, external beam radiation, or systemic therapy. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the cases and controls with respect to 10-year disease-free survival (cases 83% and controls 68%, p=0.90) and 10-year overall survival (cases 97% and controls 89%, p=0.10). Conclusions: In a case control analysis with a mean follow up of 8 years, the presence of ETE into the strap muscles was not an independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes in adults >/= 55 years old with DTC. These findings can be used to inform the future editions of the AJCC/TNM and American Thyroid Association staging systems for DTC.

XEN45 Gel Stent implantation in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma: A study from a single hospital in Taiwan.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the XEN45 Gel Stent in East Asian patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). We retrospectively reviewed 37 medically uncontrolled POAG patients who received XEN45 Gel Stent. The primary outcomes were reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and in the number of glaucoma medications 12 months after surgery. The secondary outcomes were requirement for intervention and further glaucoma surgery. The adverse intraoperative and postoperative events were investigated. At the 12-month postoperative follow-up, the mean IOP was significantly reduced from the preoperative value of 21.7 ± 7.7 mmHg to 15.0 ± 2.0 mmHg (p = 0.001). The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 3.4 ± 0.9 to 1.3 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001). Seventeen patients (45.9%) required postoperative interventions. Four patients (10.8%) received additional glaucoma surgery. Postoperative IOP at month 1 was significantly associated with outcomes at the 12-month follow-up and the need for subsequent intervention and additional glaucoma surgery. The XEN45 Gel Stent effectively reduced the IOP values and number of glaucoma medications in East Asian patients with POAG. No major complications were observed, but almost half of the eyes in the study required intervention for wound healing modification. Postoperative IOP at month 1 was a predictor of surgical success at 12 months after surgery.

A Nine-Year Analysis of Practice Patterns, Microbiologic Yield, and Clinical Outcomes in Cases of Presumed Infectious Endophthalmitis

To analyze practice patterns, microbiologic yield, and clinical outcomes in cases of presumed infectious endophthalmitis at a single tertiary academic referral center. Retrospective chart review. Eyes diagnosed with endophthalmitis at the Duke Eye Center between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2018, that underwent aqueous tap, needle vitreous tap, or mechanical vitreous biopsy with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in conjunction with intravitreal antimicrobials. Charts of 133 eyes of 130 consecutive patients were identified and reviewed for etiology of endophthalmitis, ocular history, interventions, visual outcomes, complication rates, and microbiologic culture results. Microbiologic yield and corrected visual acuity (VA) at initial presentation and last follow-up (up to 1 year) were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included need for subsequent intervention, retinal detachment (RD) rate, and antimicrobial sensitivities. Of the 133 cases of presumed infectious endophthalmitis, 74% were unrelated to cataract surgery. Initial management included intravitreal antimicrobials with aqueous tap in 46% of eyes, needle vitreous tap in 59% of eyes, and mechanical vitreous biopsy with PPV in 14% of eyes. Twenty-seven percent of cases that underwent initial aqueous or needle vitreous tap required subsequent intervention with PPV. Overall, 45% of endophthalmitis cases were culture proven. Needle vitreous tap and mechanical vitreous biopsy with PPV were more likely to yield culture growth compared with aqueous tap (P= 0.042, P= 0.004, respectively). All isolated bacteria were sensitive to the combination of intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime. Eyes that underwent initial mechanical vitreous biopsy with PPV had worse VA at presentation (P= 0.024) and at last follow up (P= 0.011) compared with eyes that underwent initial aqueous tap or needle vitreous tap. An RD occurred within 3-12 months in 13% (17/133) of cases, and of these, 41% had an endogenous etiology. Needle vitreous tap and mechanical vitreous biopsy were more effective in yielding positive cultures compared with aqueous tap; however, culture results may not influence initial intravitreal antimicrobial choice. Eyes with presenting VA between counting fingers and hand motion at 1 foot were more likely to undergo initial PPV.

Indwelling pleural catheters for non-malignant pleural effusions: report on a single centre’s 10 years of experience

BackgroundRecurrent pleural effusion is a common cause of dyspnoea, cough and chest pain during the course of infectious pleurisy and non-malignant diseases like congestive heart failure (CHF) or liver cirrhosis...